Interactive messaging system

ABSTRACT

The interactive messaging system of the present invention provides for an interactive communication process between users, both senders and recipients. The sender composes a message by filling in a template stored in data services. Once completed, the sender pushes the message to a recipient&#39;s wireless device if the wireless device contains a WAP browser, which is capable of receiving pushed messages. Typically the message includes a question along with answers for the recipient to choose from. Each answer corresponds with a pre-assigned response key and the recipient answers the question by selecting one of the pre-assigned response keys. The recipient&#39;s response is available to the sender in the form of an e-mail, WAP Push, on-line access or interactive message that is shown to the sender on an on-line status screen.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.non-provisional application Ser. No. 11/128,039 filed May 11, 2005,which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. non-provisionalapplication Ser. No. 11/103,114 filed Apr. 11, 2005 which is acontinuation-in-part application of U.S. non-provisional applicationSer. No. 10/395,187 filed Mar. 21, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of text messaging.More particularly, the present invention relates to an interactivemessaging system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today, wireless or mobile devices are becoming more common as wirelesscarriers build out their networks, rates decrease and device technologyincreases. Users of the wireless devices have been able to send amessage to a wireless device using Short Message Service (SMS)messaging. SMS messaging was introduced in the first phase of GSM during1991 as a simple store-and-forward text message system. Using SMSmessaging, a user can use a computer or a wireless phone to compose atext message and send it to a wireless device. SMS messaging has enjoyedsteady growth and it is estimated that a total of 360 billion messageswere sent in the year 2002.

Despite the popularity of text messaging, SMS messaging growth in theUnited States has been somewhat slower compared to growth in Europe. Thedifference in growth can be attributed to the technology limitations ofSMS messaging on wireless devices. Users composing a text message, or areply, on a mobile device must use a somewhat awkward Man MachineInterface (MMI) which requires users to press multiple keys or buttons(multi-tapping) on the wireless device for each letter. For example, totype the letter “s”, a user needs to press the number 7 key on thedevice 4 times (i.e. PQRS).

Text on nine keys (T9®) was then developed as a faster alternative tomulti-tapping. It enables users to type letters with a single key tapper letter and then uses predictive software to guess the word the userintended to type. However, many users find predictive text entrysomewhat frustrating when the software guesses the incorrect word andstill tedious as each letter still requires a single key tap.Furthermore, both the SMS messaging and T9® required numerous presses ofkeys or buttons. The user may be required to press keys or buttons over100 times with SMS messaging and over 300 times using T9®.

Another technology that enables the delivery of data to wireless devicesis Wireless Application Protocol (WAP). WAP is a global specificationand open standard that enables wireless device users to interact andaccess services and information. WAP is both a communications protocoland application environment that can be built on numerous operatingsystems and provides interoperability between different device families.WAP is used by a variety of devices including mobile phones, mobilepagers, two-way radios, smartphones and communicators. WAP is designedto work with multiple wireless networks such as CDPD, CDMA, GSM, PDC,PHS, TDMA, FLEX, ReFLEX, iDEN, TETRA, DECT, DataTAC, Mobitex and GPRS.

One of the recent technology advances with WAP is the development of theWAP Push. A push can be a WAP browser session that appears on the screenof a mobile device without an explicit request from the user at the timethe session is initiated. In the normal client/server model, a clientrequests a service or information from a server, which responds byproviding the information to the client. This is known as “pull”technology, i.e. the client pulls the information from the server. Anexample of pull technology is the Internet, a user enters a URL which issent to a server and the server responds by sending a web page to theuser. Although WAP Push is also based on the client/server model, itprovides the means to initiate a WAP application session on the user'sdevice without an explicit request from the user.

With WAP Push, a user can receive a pushed message and can immediatelyrespond to the message by pressing a key. For example, a user cansubscribe to a service which will cause a pushed message to be sent tothe user's wireless device for predetermined events and times. Atpredetermined times during the day, a stock quote can be pushed to theuser's wireless device giving the user the option to purchase stock byselecting a buy button. WAP Push, however, does not provide for a sendercomposing an interactive message by filling in a template with aquestion with a recipient responding by selecting at least one answercorresponding to a pre-assigned response key. Furthermore, WAP Push doesnot provide for brokering an event among multiple parties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to compose an interactivemessage by filling in a template and pushing the interactive message toa wireless device user.

It is another object of the present invention to package complex dataand messages into a format for wireless devices wherein the user caneasily respond by selecting at least one pre-assigned response key.

It is yet another object of the present invention to broker an eventamong multiple parties by sending out an invitation and re-sending theinvitation after user indicated pause intervals until all parties areavailable.

It is yet another object of the present invention for an applicationserver to manage an interactive workflow and collaboration betweenusers, including both a sender and a recipient.

It is yet another object of the present invention to send data andmessages to multiple users and summarize the responses received from allusers.

It is yet another object of the present invention to maintain profilesettings for each user, the settings include filtering, blocking,prioritization and level of intrusion.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a webservices framework allowing third party applications to access theapplication framework.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provideverification to an interactive message by assigning and storage of atime and date stamp to record the time of the transaction, assigning andstoring of an electronic signature to verify the identity of therespondent and assigning and storing a hash code to verify the contentof the message.

In the present invention, an application framework is used to integratedata systems to wireless devices. A web services platform, located onthe application framework, shares business logic, data and processthrough a programmatic interface across a network amongst core services.Core services are comprised of data services, messaging services,brokering services and learning services. The core services are utilizedby users to send interactive messages to other users.

The interactive messaging system of the present invention provides foran interactive communication process between users, both senders andrecipients. The sender composes a message by filling in a templatestored in data services. Once completed, the sender pushes the messageto a recipient's wireless device if the wireless device contains a WAPbrowser which is capable of receiving pushed messages. Typically themessage includes a question along with answers for the recipient tochoose from. Each answer corresponds with a pre-assigned response keyand the recipient answers the question by selecting one of thepre-assigned response keys. The recipient's response is available to thesender in the form of an e-mail, WAP Push, on-line access or interactivemessage that is shown to the sender on an on-line status screen.

The interactive messaging system of the present invention can beutilized in many ways including to propose a question to a recipient andreceive the recipient's response, to broker an event such as a call, aconference call a game, etc., as an interactive learning tool, as aninteractive reminder and to receive approval for a specified event orpurchasing of an item.

The foregoing, together with other features and advantages of thepresent invention, will become more apparent when referring to thefollowing specification, claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood from the followingdetailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like referencenumerals refer to like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 a illustrates an application framework showing core services;

FIG. 1 b illustrates a web application server sending information to amobile access gateway utilizing BREW® technology;

FIG. 2 illustrates a work flow diagram of a method of the presentinvention for pushing an interactive message to a wireless device;

FIG. 3 a illustrates a method of pushing an interactive message to awireless device;

FIG. 3 b illustrates an example of an interactive based system of thepresent invention utilizing electronic authentication;

FIG. 4 illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactive callinvitation method of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the interactive call invitation methodof the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactive birthday orholiday reminder of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the interactive birthday or holidayreminder of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactive multi-playergame invitation method of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the interactive multi-player gameinvitation method of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates the process logic used for an interactive learningmethod;

FIG. 11 illustrates a work flow diagram for the interactive learningmethod of the present invention;

FIG. 12 a illustrates a method of pushing an interactive question to thewireless device of a user;

FIG. 12 b illustrates a method of pushing or downloading additional testquestions to the wireless device of a user;

FIG. 12 c illustrates a method of uploading test scores achieved fromanswering the test questions to the wireless device of a user;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the interactive multi-player gameinvitation method combined with the interactive learning method;

FIG. 14 illustrates a user registration and profile forms of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a turn based interactive gameutilizing the interactive messaging system of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a method of utilizing the template based interactivesystem of the present invention in clinical trials;

FIG. 17 a illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to create a fan club;

FIG. 17 b illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to view a blog from an artist;

FIG. 17 c illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to interacting with an artist during alive event;

FIG. 17 d illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to purchase items on-line;

FIG. 17 e illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to find out information about an artist;

FIG. 17 f illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to add a new artist to the user's fanclub;

FIG. 18 a illustrates a method of utilizing the template basedinteractive system of the present invention to remind users to takemedication;

FIG. 18 b illustrates the prescription reminder feature that has beenturned on;

FIG. 18 c illustrates a prescription reminder history displaying themedication the user has taken as well as when the medication was takenand any adverse effects;

FIG. 19 a illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to sign up users for the ability topurchase wallpaper for downloading to a wireless device;

FIG. 19 b illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to notify users of available wallpaperfor downloading to a wireless device;

FIG. 19 c illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to sign up users for the ability topurchase games for downloading to a wireless device or new products forthe wireless device or a new wireless device;

FIG. 19 d illustrates another example of utilizing the interactivemessaging system of the present invention to purchase products and toparticipate in a survey of a service of the wireless carrier;

FIGS. 19 e-f illustrate another example of utilizing the interactivemessaging system of the present invention to participate in a survey ofthe service of a wireless carrier and editing the user's alert settings;

FIG. 20 a illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to allow dashboard users to access amobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 20 b illustrates options the dashboard user can access from themobile alerts dashboard, including opt-in invitations;

FIG. 20 c illustrates screens of the invitations that the dashboardusers can access from the mobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 20 d-f illustrates screens of additional invitations that thedashboard user can access from the mobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 21 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from theadmin screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 21 b illustrates a do not call list screen and an add to do notcall list screen that the dashboard user can access from the adminscreen of the mobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 21 c illustrates a dashboard users screen and a dashboard userscreen that the dashboard user can access from the admin screen of themobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 21 d illustrates a wallpaper type screen and an add wallpaper typescreen that the dashboard user can access from the admin screen of themobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 21 e illustrates an application type screen and an add applicationtype screen that the dashboard user can access from the admin screen ofthe mobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 21 f illustrates a hardware type screen and a hardware type screenthat the dashboard user can access from the admin screen of the mobilealerts dashboard;

FIG. 21 g illustrates a ringtone genre screen and an add ringtone genrescreen that the dashboard user can access from the admin screen of themobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 21 h illustrates a publishers screen and an add publisher screenthat the dashboard user can access from the admin screen of the mobilealerts dashboard;

FIG. 21 i illustrates a handsets screen and an add handset screen thatthe dashboard user can access from the admin screen of the mobile alertsdashboard;

FIG. 22 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from theringtones screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 22 b illustrates a ringtone screen and a ringtone handset screenthat the dashboard user can access from the ringtones screen;

FIG. 22 c illustrates an upload ringtone file screen and a ringtonesequencing screen that the dashboard user can access from the ringtonesscreen;

FIG. 22 d illustrates a ringtones statistics screen and a ringtonesopt-in invitation screen that the dashboard user can access from theringtones screen;

FIG. 22 e illustrates a ringtones sales message screen that thedashboard user can access from the ringtones screen;

FIG. 23 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from thewallpapers screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 23 b illustrates a wallpaper inventory screen and a wallpaperscreen that the dashboard user can access from the wallpapers screen;

FIG. 23 c illustrates a wallpaper handset table screen and an uploadwallpaper file screen that the dashboard user can access from thewallpapers screen;

FIG. 23 d illustrates a wallpaper sequencing screen and a wallpaperstatistics screen that the dashboard user can access from the wallpapersscreen;

FIG. 23 e illustrates a wallpapers opt-in invitation screen and awallpapers sales message screen that the dashboard user can access fromthe wallpapers screen;

FIG. 24 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from theapplications screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 24 b illustrates an applications screen and an application handsettable screen that the dashboard user can access from the applicationsscreen;

FIG. 24 c illustrates an upload application screen and an applicationssequencing screen that the dashboard user can access from theapplications screen;

FIG. 24 d illustrates an applications statistics screen and anapplications opt-in invitation screen that the dashboard user can accessfrom the applications screen;

FIG. 24 e illustrates an applications sales message screen that thedashboard user can access from the applications screen;

FIG. 25 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from thehardware screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 25 b illustrates a hardware inventory screen and a hardware screenthat the dashboard user can access from the hardware screen;

FIG. 25 c illustrates a hardware handset table screen and a hardwaredevice screen that the dashboard user can access from the hardwarescreen;

FIG. 25 d illustrates a hardware sequencing screen and a hardwarestatistics screen that the dashboard user can access from the hardwarescreen;

FIG. 25 e illustrates a hardware opt-in screen and a hardware salesmessage screen that the dashboard user can access from the hardwarescreen;

FIG. 26 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from thecarrier surveys screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;

FIGS. 26 b-c illustrates a carrier surveys screen, a carrier surveys anda carrier survey opt-in invitation results screen that the dashboarduser can access from the survey screen;

FIG. 27 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from the3^(rd) party surveys screen of the mobile alerts dashboard;

FIG. 27 b illustrates a 3rd party survey screen and a 3^(rd) partysurveys screen that the dashboard user can access from the 3^(rd) partysurveys screen;

FIG. 27 c illustrates a 3rd party survey results screen and a 3^(rd)party surveys opt-in invitation screen that the dashboard user canaccess from the 3^(rd) party surveys screen;

FIG. 28 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from theopt-in subscribers screen of the mobile alerts dashboard; and

FIG. 28 b illustrates a subscriber screen and an opt-in subscriberstatistics screen that the dashboard user can access from the opt-insubscribers screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an application framework 3 of the present inventionfor allowing communication with wireless device users, both senders andrecipients, by sending or pushing interactive messages to the wirelessdevices. Messages are composed by filling in a pre-formed template andthe application framework 3 pushes the messages to carriers A-N 26,which are connected to the framework 3 via a network connection 5, themessages are then sent to wireless devices. Although four carriers areshown, additional carriers may to connected to the framework 3. Amessaging protocol on the application framework 3 allows both localapplications and outside or third party applications to talk to coreservices. Core services, located on the application framework,facilitate the delivery of messages by providing essential details andinformation that the framework uses to send or push the messages towireless devices. In the preferred embodiment, the core services arecomprised of data services 6, messaging services 8, brokering services10 and learning services 12, although additional services may be definedand utilized. The core services are exposed via web services 16.

The learning services 12 are used to facilitate learning by sending orpushing study material, such as in the form of multiple choicequestions, to recipients, such as students. For example, vocabularyquestions can be sent to the recipient when studying for the SAT®. Aword with four possible definitions can be pushed to the student'swireless device. The learning services 12 accomplishes this by managinga process for the user learning new information including conceptpresentation, pre-testing, mastery drilling, final testing and follow upreview. Furthermore, learning services 12 allows external applicationsand third parties to add data or additional learning curriculum tolearning modules stored in the learning services 12. Learning servicesalso reports on learning status by user and by curriculum module.Additionally, learning services can also present curriculum to users ina game context wherein players compete on response time and accuracy.

The data services 6 stores information, including profiles of the users,which determine if and when the interactive message is to be sent to therecipient. Information stored within the profiles can include an accesscontrol list that filters or blocks specific senders, photographs andsounds which may be included in the message and a do not disturb windowspecifying when the recipient does not want to be disturbed with aninteractive message. Additional information in the profiles can includea priority profile where the user can specify the level of intrusion forreceiving the interactive message by the sender (i.e. do not interruptif on a call) and also stores ID and password information, frequentlyused response lists to be included in the message, a list of birthdaysand anniversaries of friends and family and other holidays. Otherinformation, such as pending messages and system information is storedin data services. Furthermore, the data services 6 can store learningprofiles for storing user progress across learning modules and learningmodule setup, learning curriculum and responses. Each user creates hisprofile and stores the profile on a database 2 located on theapplication framework 3. Other information contained in the profilesincludes a list of people whose messages should be immediately sent, apicture of the user and times when a user does not want to receive amessage. These profiles can be accessed through a web portal 22 allowingsenders and recipients to update their profile.

The messaging services 8 pushes the interactive message to the wirelessdevice of a recipient. Before the message can be pushed, messagingservices 8 first determines if the recipient's wireless device iscapable of receiving a pushed message. If the wireless device is capableof receiving the message, messaging services 8 converts the message intoa format readable by the wireless device and in turn pushes the messageto the wireless device. If the wireless device is not capable ofreceiving a pushed message, message services 8 converts the message to ashort message service (SMS) message and sends as a SMS message.Furthermore, messaging services 8, if necessary, is capable offormatting the message into a format that includes multimediacapabilities such as text, sound, graphics, W. L., MIME, video or a turnbased interactive game. Messaging services 8 also has the capability ofproviding the sender with a status of the message, i.e. if the recipienthas responded and what the response is. The status of the message can bedelivered to the sender with electronic data exchange, e-mail, instantmessaging, on-line access (i.e. check the status via a web site) and WAPPush, including BREW® and J2ME (JAVA). The sender can set the form thatthe status of delivery is sent in his profile or when filling out thetemplate to send the message.

The brokering services 10 manage the coordination of users, both sendersand recipients, and the delivery of messages to wireless devices.Senders can specify a day and time for the messages to be delivered tothe recipients. (Senders can include both people and devices/servers.)Recipients have the option of re-scheduling the response of messages totheir wireless devices by selecting a “snooze” feature. The “snooze”feature terminates the interactive message and schedules a future timewhen the message will be resent to the recipient. Once this feature isselected, the brokering services 10 will resend the message at a latertime such as in 10 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour or any other timespecified by the recipient. Brokering services also manages the level ofintrusion of the message based on receiver-maintained profile criteriavia the web portal 22 with settings by originator, data type, priorityand access control list. Additionally, if the interactive messagingsystem is being used to send invitations to invited parties orparticipants for an event, brokering services negotiates a time amongmultiple parties when all can participate in the event, such as aconference call, game, etc. Upon receiving the message, recipients havethe option of indicating if they are available or hitting the snoozebutton. The message is resent to all participants at the end of thesnooze period. The status of all invitees is shown to all participants.Brokering services manages a snooze or ready responses until allparticipants are ready and available.

The application framework 3 utilizes application logic to define how thebusiness policies, rules and required services of the interactivemessaging system of the present invention function. Local applications20 store the application logic and call web services 16 using SOAPmessaging 18 and instruct or trigger the construction and delivery ofthe interactive messages. Web services 16 shares business logic, dataand process through a programmatic interface across a network amongstthe core services. Since web services 16 are not tied to any oneoperating system or programming language, different applications fromdifferent sources communicate with each other without time consumingcustom coding since all communication is in XML. As a result, webservices 16 provides a platform for exposing or making accessible thecore services to third party applications using software that is runningon different operating systems and devices, written using differentprogramming languages and tools from multiple vendors, all potentiallydeveloped and deployed independently. As a result, an open architecturefor third parties is created. Furthermore, web services 16 enables theinteractive messaging system of the present invention to be used with orwithout a browser.

Also located on the framework 3 is a web application server 4. The webapplication server 4 is comprised of software that runs on the framework3, answers web calls from (1) a wireless device (2) via web portal 22and (3) third parties and local applications. When answering a call, webservices looks up the requested information in a database 2, databasessuch as Oracle® may be utilized. The database 2 is used to store data,information and rules for pushing the interactive messages to a wirelessdevice. Specifically, stored within the database are user preferences,photographs, sounds, drop down menus, learning curriculum,birthday/anniversary lists and other holidays. Upon receiving a call,the web application server 4 retrieves the information in the database 2via data services 6.

The application framework 3 discussed with reference to FIG. 1 a enablesusers to send various types of interactive messages. The various typesof messages include scheduling a meeting, sending a reminder, initiatinga multi-player game on a wireless device and interactive learning. Theseand other embodiments are discussed below.

In addition to utilizing WAP push technology, the present invention canalso utilize application-directed SMS messaging within BREW® or JAVAtechnologies. BREW® and JAVA are other technologies analogous to WAPpush allowing non-solicited messages to be sent to users. BREW® and JAVAwake-up using SMS provides the same ability to push messages to users,as does WAP push. In WAP push, a SMS message containing a URL address issent to the user. Upon receiving the SMS message, the device loads theweb page, which contains interactive response messages. With BREW® andJAVA, an application is pre-loaded on a wireless device. An applicationdirected SMS message “wakes up” the application on the phone providinginteractive response options. FIG. 1 b illustrates web applicationserver 480 sending information to a mobile access gateway 482, whichsends the information to a wireless device 484, which displays theinformation on a display screen of the wireless device 486. AlthoughFIG. 1 b illustrates a question from the learning curriculum beingdisplayed, this is by way of example only and any information can bepushed to the wireless device.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of the present inventionfor pushing interactive messages to a wireless device. In preparing andpushing an interactive message to a recipient's wireless device, asender composes questions and responses on a pre-formed template 28. Thetemplate, located in the data services 6 of the framework 3, istypically accessed by the sender by using a computer connected to theinternet. Once the message has been composed, the interactive message issent to a mobile access gateway 30. Upon receiving the interactivemessage, the mobile access gateway pushes the interactive message to therecipient's wireless device 32. The recipient's wireless device receivesthe interactive message and a browser session is started by a sessioninitiation application (SIA). The SIA displays a screen with thequestion and response options composed by the sender.

Once the question and responses appear on the screen of the recipient'swireless device, the recipient may select a response corresponding to apre-assigned response key 34. Furthermore, the recipient may select asnooze message key which closes the interactive messaging system 40 andcauses a pre-defined delay to occur before the interactive message isagain pushed to the recipient's wireless device. The status of therecipient's response, i.e. selecting the snooze key, is shown to thesender on an on-line status screen or any other method, such as e-maildefined in the template. The interactive message is then paused for thelength of time specified by the snooze key 44. After this specified timeperiod is over, the question and responses are resent by the mobileaccess gateway and steps 30, 32 and 34 are repeated.

The recipient can also choose to cancel the interactive messagingsession by selecting a pre-assigned response key corresponding to adismiss feature 46. By dismissing the interactive message, the messagewill not be resent to the recipient and the interactive messagingsession is closed 48. The result or status of this session, i.e. thesession is closed, is sent back to the sender in the form of an e-mail,WAP Push, on-line access or interactive message 50 that is shown to thesender or an on-line status screen 52.

If the recipient chooses to respond to the interactive message 36, theresponse is made available to the sender via an e-mail and on-line.Furthermore, the interactive messaging session will be closed 48 asmentioned previously. The result of the interactive messaging session,i.e. the selected response, is sent to the sender 50 in the form of ane-mail, WAP Push, on-line access or interactive message that is shown tothe sender on an on-line status screen 52. After the recipient hasselected a pre-assigned response key, the sender, based upon theresponse, may compose a new message with a new question and responsechoices that are sent to the recipient to clarify or follow-up on theresponse 54. If the sender chooses to push a new message to therecipient 56, the whole process is repeated starting with step 28. Ifthe sender chooses not to push a new message to the recipient thetransaction has been completed and the interactive messaging session isclosed 58.

FIG. 3 a illustrates a method of pushing an interactive message to thewireless device of a recipient. A template 60 is utilized by a sender tocompose the interactive message, including the question and responses,that will be pushed to a recipient's wireless device. A computerconnected to the Internet or a wireless device can be used to access thetemplate. Several fields are included on the template, including dropdown menus from which the sender can select from a variety elements tobe included in the message. Elements can include the type of templateand the priority of the message to be sent. Other fields to be filled inby the sender can include the recipient of the message, the sender ofthe message, the question included in the message, several responsescorresponding to pre-assigned response keys for the recipient to choosefrom, the method of notification of the response to selected individualsand the priority of the message. In the preferred embodiment, a sendtime default is immediate, however, a sender can schedule to have themessage sent at a specific data and time in the future.

Templates can vary, such as requiring a varying amount of responseoptions to be entered (i.e. 4 response options, 6 response options,etc.) as well as the type of data used for the question and responseoptions. The question and response options can be a graphic image, asound, animation, WML, MIME, a video clip or a turn based interactivegame. The priority option allows the sender to indicate the priority andspecify the level of intrusiveness for the message to be delivered. Forexample, do not interrupt the recipient if he is on the phone.

If the sender chooses to cancel the interactive messaging session priorto sending the message, the sender selects a quit button 63 located onthe template 60. However, if the sender chooses to send the message, thesender selects a send button 62 located on the template 60 after thetemplate 60 has been filled in. After selecting the send button 62, theinteractive message is sent to a web application server 64 whichimmediately sends the message to a mobile access gateway 66 or holds themessage to be sent in the future time and date specified by the senderin the template. The mobile access gateway 66 is a server in thecarrier's network that allows messages to be transformed into a WAP Pushover the carrier's network to the recipient's wireless device, if therecipient's wireless device contains a WAP browser 68. If therecipient's wireless device does not contain a WAP browser 68 or the WAPbrowser 68 does not have the capability of receiving pushed messages,the message is sent to the wireless device in the form of a SMS message.

Once the message is pushed to the recipient's wireless device, a browsersession is started by the Session Initiation Application (SIA) whichdisplays a screen 70 with the question and response optionscorresponding to pre-assigned response keys. The sender has the optionof selecting one of the pre-assigned response keys in response to thequestion, selecting the dismiss button 72 or selecting the snooze button74. If the recipient selects one of the pre-assigned response keys 76,the interactive messaging session is completed and the browser sessionis closed. Selecting the dismiss button 72 cancels the interactivemessaging session and selecting the snooze button 74 temporarilyterminates the interactive message and schedules the message to beresent at a later time.

Once the recipient has selected a response, notification of the responseselected is sent via e-mail, WAP Push, instant messaging or on-lineaccess as specified in the template 60. The notification can show thequestion, the response options, the response selected and the date theselection was made. As specified in the template 60, notification of theselected response can be sent to at least one third party in addition tothe sender of the message. As shown in FIG. 3, third party notificationcan be automatically sent in the form of an e-mail 78, a message pushedto a wireless device 80 or an instant message 84 as specified in thetemplate. When the notification is pushed to a wireless device 80, theinteractive messaging system can be cancelled by selecting an OK button82. The sender can also receive the recipient's response by accessingthe status of the message on-line 86. On-line notification or statusillustrates the question sent by the sender, a drop down box 87 allowsthe sender to select previous questions sent as well as the responsesreceived. The on-line status 86 also illustrates a summarization table88 showing status, time and response by user. This table is useful insummarizing results from multiple respondents. An export button 90 canbe selected for exporting into a comma delimited text file so that itcan be imported into a spreadsheet for further analysis. Selecting a newquestion button 92 allows the sender to access the original template tocompose or edit a new question to follow up or clarify the questionbased on the recipient's response.

An example of an interactive message is shown in FIG. 3 a. A sender,Bill Smith, composes a message to Frank Hollingsworth by filling in atemplate with a question, four possible responses and the names of thoseto receive the response. The question, who will be the presenter for apresentation, is pushed to Frank along with the four possible answers tothe question. Upon receiving this message, Frank selects the presenterby selecting a pre-assigned response key corresponding to name of thepresenter. Once selected, a status is sent to all people identified inthe template to receive the response. The interactive message of thepresent invention can also be used to confirm appointments, such as adoctor's appointment, a dentist appointment, a hair appointment, etc.Furthermore, a message can be pushed to a recipient asking if therecipient can still make the appointment. The recipient responds to thequestion by either selecting a “yes” key or a “no” key. If the recipientis unable to make the appointment, that time can be allocated to anotherperson. Interactive messaging can also be used for opinion surveys andby schools to send information to parents about their children.

To provide additional security, non-repudiation and authentication tothe template-based secure messaging architecture of the presentinvention, a post mark such, as the United States Postal ServiceElectronic Postmark (USPS® EPM) can be utilized. The electronicauthentication is a Web based security service that enables users toverify authenticity, provide tamper detection and date and time stamp toelectronic messages. Evidence of content authenticity can be stored in arepository to ensure trusted non-repudiation of content. Additionally,the electronic authentication provides a tracking number whereby allparties involved in an electronic transaction can access the transactionrecord on the authentication server and verify the electronic signature,time stamp and content. The electronic authentication enablestransactions to comply with the ESIGN legislation, enacted in June 2000,which made electronic signatures a legally viable option for conductingbusiness.

FIG. 3 b illustrates an example of an interactive template based systemof the present invention utilizing the electronic authentication. First,a user or sender selects one of many pre-defined templates to send amessage to a recipient. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3 b, atemplate 400 designed for a company for sending a message to a recipientis illustrated. The sender fills in the template 400 by selecting themessage type, enters the name and telephone number of the recipient, thename of the project, the prior terms of the project, the new terms ofthe project to be approved by the recipient, any comments the sender hasand the name, telephone number and email of the sender. Once thisinformation has been entered into the template, the sender selects asend button 402 (or the clear button 403 to clear the template) and themessage is sent to a web application server 404 that sends the messageto an authentication server 406 and assigns a date and time stamp to themessage. After a date and time stamp has been assigned to the message,the message is sent back to the Web application server 404, which thenimmediately sends the message to a mobile access gateway 406. The mobileaccess gateway 406 is a server in the carrier's network that allowsmessages to be transformed into a WAP Push, including BREW® and JAVA,over the carrier's network to the recipient's wireless device 408.

Once the message is pushed to the recipient's wireless device, a usersession is started which displays a screen 410 with information providedby the sender and response options corresponding to pre-assignedresponse keys. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3 b, the pre-assignedresponse keys are (1) accept, (2) reject, or (3) to-do list. Selectingthe accept key authorizes the change order, selecting the reject keyrejects the change order and selecting the to-do list which places therequest on hold until the recipient makes a decision. Once the recipienthas selected a pre-assigned response key, notification of the responseselected is sent to the sender on-line 412 or via email 414.

FIG. 4 illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactive callinvitation method of the present invention. In the interactive callinvitation method, a sender uses a WAP browser, a computer connected tothe Internet or a JAVA application located on a wireless device tocompose an invitation by filling in a template 94. In the template, thesender fills in the name or names of the recipients of the invitation orthe invitees, the topic of the call and the priority of the call.Alternatively, the sender can fill in the phone number of number of theinvitees instead of their names. Once the invitation has been composed,the invitation is sent to an application server as described withreference to FIG. 2. Upon receipt of the invitation, the applicationserver sends the invitation to the mobile access gateway 96 whichimmediately sends the invitation to an invitee's wireless device orholds the invitation until a specified time and date indicated in thetemplate. If the invitee's wireless device has a WAP browser theinvitation is pushed to the invitee's wireless device 98. However, ifthe invitee's wireless device does not contain a WAP browser or the WAPbrowser does not have the capability of receiving pushed messages, theinvitation is sent to the invitee's wireless devices in the form of aSMS message.

When the invitee receives the invitation, the invitee has the option ofselecting a snooze button 100 or a call button 108. If the snooze buttonis selected 102, the invitee has the option of selecting the duration ofthe pause or delay 104 before the invitation is resent to the invitee orto dismiss the invitation and close the messaging session. If the snoozebutton is selected, the sender is notified 106 that the invitee hasdelayed responding to the invitation as well as the length of the delay.Furthermore, the interactive session is closed 107 until the length ofthe delay 109 has been completed and the invitation is resent, repeatingsteps 96 and 98. If the call button is selected, the invitee hasaccepted the invitation, the invitee's wireless device automaticallyauto dials the sender 111 and the interactive session is completed 113.Although sending the invitation to only one invitee has been described,the interactive call invitation method can be used to invite more thanone invitee. Brokering services manages the responses from all inviteesuntil all invitees are either ready to participate in the call or haveselected the dismiss key.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the interactive call invitation methodas described with reference to FIG. 4. In this method, a sender fills ina template 112 to invite the recipient or invitee to participate in atelephone call. The sender enters the name or telephone number of theinvitee, the topic to be discussed in the call and the priority of themessage. The invitee can be entered manually or selected from thesender's address or phone book. Once this information has been filledin, the sender selects an invite button 114 and the invitation is sentto the recipients as a WAP Push message or a SMS message if theinvitee's wireless device does not contain a WAP browser or the WAPbrowser does not have the capability of receiving pushed messages. Asdescribed with reference to FIG. 4, the invitation can be sent to morethan one invitee.

After selecting the invite button 114, the invitation is sent to a webapplication server 116, which immediately sends the message to a mobileaccess gateway 118 or holds the message to be sent in a future time anddate specified by the sender. The mobile access gateway verifies thatthe invitee's wireless device has a WAP browser 120 and pushes theinvitation to the invitee's wireless device. If the invitee's wirelessdevice does not contain a WAP browser 120 or the WAP browser 120 doesnot have the capability of receiving pushed messages, the invitation issent to the wireless device in the form of a SMS message. Once sent tothe invitee's wireless device, a browser session is initiated by theSession Initiation Application (SIA) and displays a screen showing theinvitation 122. Upon receipt of the invitation, the invitee has theoption of selecting a call button 124 or a snooze button 126. If theinvitee selects the call button 124, the invitee's wireless deviceautomatically dials the sender. If the invitee does not want to talk tothe sender at the present moment, or does not want to talk to the senderat any time, the invitee selects the snooze button 126.

Upon selecting the snooze button 126, a display screen 128 with severalpre-assigned response keys and a dismiss button 130 are displayed on theinvitee's wireless device. Selecting the dismiss button 130 closes theinteractive session and the invitee will not receive the invitationagain. The pre-assigned response keys correspond to the length of snoozeor delay before the message is resent to the recipient. Selecting one ofthe pre-assigned response keys will terminate or pause the interactivesession for a period of time that the invitee selected. When an inviteeselects the snooze button 126 and selects the length of pause, a statusscreen 132 is sent to the sender indicating that the invitee hasselected the snooze button 126 and the length pause that the invitee hasselected. Upon receiving this screen, the sender can select a dismisskey 134 and close the interactive session or select an OK button 136accepting the invitee's delay and the pause selected by the inviteeoccurs 137.

After the length of pause selected by the invitee, a display screenshowing the invitation 138 is pushed to the invitee's wireless device.The invitee now has the option of selecting a ready button 140 oranother snooze button 142. If the invitee still does not want to talk tothe sender at the present moment, the invitee selects the snooze button142 and the process as described with reference to screen 128 isrepeated. If the recipient selects the ready button 140, a displayscreen 144 is sent or pushed to the sender advising the sender that therecipient is available to talk. Upon receiving this screen 144, thesender can select a snooze key 148 and the process as described withreference to screen 128 is repeated or the sender can select a callbutton 146 and the sender's wireless device automatically dials theinvitee initiating the call 147.

An example of an interactive message is shown in FIG. 5. Eric Johnsonpushes a message to Laura Cox inviting her to dinner. Laura communicateswith Eric as to a best time to talk to finalize dinner plans.Furthermore, this interactive message can be utilized to schedule callsto take place in the future where messages are pushed to all parties atthe time of the call to determine if it is a good time to talk. If anyparty selects snooze, all parties are reminded of the call at a latertime until both parties indicate they are available and the event cantake place.

The interactive messaging system can also be used for sendinginteractive reminders at pre-defined times. FIG. 6 illustrates a workflow diagram for an interactive birthday reminder of the presentinvention. In the interactive birthday reminder method, a sender orcongratulator schedules a birthday reminder to be sent to their wirelessdevice by using a computer connected to the Internet or by using awireless device to fill in a template 150. In the template, thecongratulator enters the name of the person having a birthday(celebrator) and the date and time that the reminder will be pushed tothe congratulator's wireless device. Once the template has beencompleted, the reminder is stored in the application server until thescheduled time for delivery.

On the scheduled day and time, the application server pushes thereminder to the congratulator's wireless device 152. Upon receiving thereminder, the congratulator can send an invitation using a WAP browser,as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, to the celebrator. If thecongratulator sends an invitation to the celebrator, the applicationserver sends the invitation to the mobile access gateway 156. If thecelebrator's wireless device has a WAP browser the invitation is pushedto the celebrator's wireless device 158. However, if the celebrator'swireless device does not contain a WAP browser or the WAP browser doesnot have the capability of receiving pushed messages, the invitation issent to the celebrator's wireless devices in the form of a SMS message.

When the celebrator receives the invitation, the celebrator has theoption of selecting a snooze button 160 or a call button 168. If thesnooze button is selected 162, the celebrator has the option ofselecting the duration of the pause or delay 164 before the invitationis resent to the celebrator or to dismiss the invitation and close themessaging session. If the snooze button is selected, the congratulatoris notified 166 that the celebrator has delayed responding to theinvitation as well as the length of the delay. Furthermore, theinteractive session is closed 167 until the length of the delay 169 hasbeen completed. After the delay is over, the invitation is resent andsteps 150-160 are repeated. If the call button 168 is selected, thecelebrator has accepted the invitation, the congratulator is notified170, the celebrator's wireless device automatically dials the sender 171and the interactive session is completed 173. Although an interactivebirthday reminder has been illustrated, the interactive birthdayreminder of the present invention can also be utilized for additionalholidays such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day andChristmas,

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the interactive birthday reminder orreminders of other holidays of the present invention. In this method, acongratulator fills in a template 172 to set up reminders and remindertypes for acquaintances. This template can be accessed on a computerconnected to the Internet or on a wireless device. The congratulator canenter information about the celebrator such as his name, his phonenumber and wireless device carrier. Furthermore, the congratulatorenters the day and time to push the reminder of the event (such as abirthday) to the congratulator's wireless device, whether to remind thecongratulator to buy a gift and whether to initiate an interactive callinvitation as described previously with reference to FIG. 5. Once thisinformation has been filled in, the congratulator selects a submitbutton 175 and the reminder is sent to a web application server 176until the scheduled time for delivery.

At the time scheduled for delivery, the reminder is sent to thecongratulator's wireless device 174. The congratulator has the option ofselecting an invite button 177. Selecting the invite button 177immediately sends an invitation to a mobile access gateway 178. Themobile access gateway 178 pushes the reminder to the celebrator'swireless device. If the celebrator's wireless device does not contain aWAP browser 180 or the WAP browser 180 does not have the capability ofreceiving pushed messages, the message is sent to the wireless device inthe form of a SMS message. Once sent to the celebrator's wirelessdevice, a browser session is initiated by the Session InitiationApplication (SIA) and a screen showing the reminder 182 is displayed onthe wireless device. Upon receiving the display screen, the celebratorhas the option of selecting a call button 181 or a snooze button 183. Ifthe celebrator selects the call button 181, the celebrator's wirelessdevice automatically dials the congratulator. If the celebrator does notwant to talk to the congratulator at the present moment, or does notwant to talk to the congratulator at any time, the celebrator selectsthe snooze button 183.

Upon selecting the snooze button 183, a display screen 184 with severalpre-assigned response keys and a dismiss button 185 are displayed on thecelebrator's wireless device. Selecting the dismiss button 185 closesthe interactive session and the celebrator will not receive theinvitation again. The pre-assigned response keys correspond to thelength of snooze or delay before the invitation is resent to thecelebrator. Selecting one of the pre-assigned response keys willterminate or pause the interactive session for a period of time that thecelebrator selected. When a celebrator selects the snooze button 183 andselects the length of pause, a status screen 186 is sent to thecongratulator indicating that the celebrator has selected the snoozebutton 183 and the length pause that the celebrator has selected. Uponreceiving this screen 186, the congratulator can select a dismiss key187 and close the interactive session or select an OK button 189accepting the celebrator's delay and the pause selected by thecelebrator occurs 191.

After the length of pause selected by the celebrator, a display screenshowing the invitation 188 is pushed to the celebrator's wirelessdevice. The celebrator now has the option of selecting a ready button193 or another snooze button 195. If the celebrator still does not wantto talk to the sender at the present moment, the sender selects thesnooze button 195 and the process as described with reference to screen184 is repeated. If the celebrator selects the ready button 193, adisplay screen 190 is sent or pushed to the congratulator advising thecongratulator that the celebrator is available to talk. Upon receivingthis screen 190, the congratulator can select a snooze key 197 and theprocess as described with reference to screen 184 is repeated or selecta call button 199 and the congratulator's wireless device automaticallydials the celebrator initiating the call 201.

The present invention can also be used for an interactive multi-playergame. FIG. 8 illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactivemulti-player game invitation method. In the multi-player game invitationmethod, a sender uses a WAP browser or a computer connected to theInternet to compose a game invitation by filling in a template 192. Inthe template, the sender fills in the name of the invitee, the name ofthe game and the desired number of people required to play the game.Once the invitation has been composed, the invitation is sent to anapplication server as described with reference to FIG. 2. Upon receiptof the invitation, the application server sends the invitation to themobile access gateway 194 which immediately sends the invitation to theplayer via his wireless device. If the player's wireless device has aWAP browser the invitation is pushed to the player's wireless device196. However, if the player's wireless device does not contain a WAPbrowser or the WAP browser does not have the capability of receivingpushed messages, the invitation is sent to the player's wireless devicein the form of a SMS message.

When the player receives the invitation, the player has the option ofselecting a snooze button 198 or a ready button 204. If the snoozebutton is selected, the player has the option of selecting the durationof the pause or delay 200 before the invitation is resent to the playeror to dismiss the invitation and close the messaging session. If thesnooze button is selected, the sender is notified 202 that the playerhas delayed responding to the invitation as well as the length of thedelay. Furthermore, the interactive session is closed 203 until thelength of the delay 205 has been completed and the invitation is resent.If the ready button 204 is selected, the player has accepted theinvitation and now must select a play button 206. The multi-player gameis initiated if the desired number of player are available 208 and thetransaction is completed 209. Although sending the invitation to onlyone player has been described, the interactive multi-player game methodcan be used to invite more than one player. Brokering services managesthe responses from all players until the desired number of players readyto play the game has been reached.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the interactive multi-player gameinvitation method as described with reference to FIG. 8. In this method,a sender fills in a template 210 to invite at least one player toparticipate in a game. The sender enters the name of the player, thename of the game and the desired number of people required to play thegame. The player's name can be entered manually or selected from thesender's address or phone book. Once this information has been filledin, the sender selects an invite button 211 and the invitation is sentto the player as a WAP Push message or a SMS message if the player'swireless device does not contain a WAP browser or the WAP browser doesnot have the capability of receiving pushed messages.

After selecting the invite button 211, the invitation is sent to a webapplication server 212 which immediately sends the message to a mobileaccess gateway 214 or holds the message to be sent in a future time anddate specified by the sender. The mobile access gateway verifies thatthe player's wireless device has a WAP browser 216 and pushes theinvitation to the player's wireless device. If the player's wirelessdevice does not contain a WAP browser 216 or the WAP browser 216 doesnot have the capability of receiving pushed messages, the message issent to the wireless device in the form of a SMS message. Once sent tothe player's wireless device, a browser session is initiated by theSession Initiation Application (SIA) and displays a screen showing theinvitation 218. The player has the option of selecting a play button 220or a snooze button 222. If the player selects the play button 220, amessage is sent to the sender indicating the player is ready to play. Ifthe player does not want to play the game at the present moment, or doesnot want to play the game at any time, the player selects the snoozebutton 222.

Upon selecting the snooze button 222, a display screen 224 with severalpre-assigned response keys and a dismiss button 234 are displayed on theplayer's wireless device. Selecting the dismiss button 234 closes theinteractive session and the player will not receive the invitationagain. The pre-assigned response keys correspond to the length of snoozeor delay before the invitation is resent to the player. Selecting one ofthe pre-assigned response keys will terminate or pause the interactivesession for a period of time that the player selected. When a recipientselects the snooze button 222 and selects the length of pause, a statusscreen 228 is sent to the sender indicating that the player has selectedthe snooze button 222 and the length of pause that the player hasselected. Upon receiving this screen 228, the sender can select adismiss key 230 and close the interactive session or select an OK button232 accepting the player's delay and the pause selected by the playeroccurs 233.

After the length of pause selected by the player, a display screenshowing the invitation 263 is pushed to the player's wireless device.The player now has the option of selecting a ready button 238 or anothersnooze button 240. If the player still does not want to play the game atthe present moment, the player selects the snooze button 240 and theprocess as described with reference to screen 224 is repeated. If therecipient selects the ready button 238, a display screen 242 is sent orpushed to the sender advising the sender that the player is available toplay. Upon receiving this screen 242, the sender can select a snooze key246 and the process as described with reference to screen 224 isrepeated or select a play button 244 and the game is initiated 245.

As an example of the multi-player game invitation method is shown inFIG. 9. In this example, Eric Johnson sends an invitation to Laura Coxto play the game Star Fighter on their wireless devices. When Laura isready to play, the game is initiated on each of their wireless devices.

As described previously, the interactive messaging system of the presentinvention can be used as a learning tool. As illustrated in FIG. 10, theinteractive learning method uses process logic which is comprised ofseveral steps to complete the learning process. The first step in theprecess logic is a concept presentation 248 step where the applicationserver uses WAP Push to send the question and correct answer to thewireless device user to review. Afterwards, the web application serveruses WAP Push to sequentially send all questions to the wireless deviceuser to determine competency in a pre-testing step 250. Furthermore,questions that are answered incorrectly are marked by the webapplication server to be used in the mastery drilling step 256.

After the pre-testing is complete, the web application server determinesif the specified completion has been made. For example, a 95% completionthreshold could be set so that the user must answer 95% of the questionscorrectly to achieve competency 252. If the user has achievedcompetency, the application next moves to a follow up review 264. In thefollow up review, questions are sent to the wireless device user for atime period specified in the system to reinforce long term retention.When the competency has not been achieved the user moves to the masterydrilling step 256. In the mastery drilling step 256, the web applicationserver maintains a pool of questions that will be sent to the wirelessdevice user. Questions are randomly selected from the pool and pushed tothe user using WAP Push until the pool is depleted. Incorrectlyanswering questions during the mastery drilling phase adds additionalquestions to the pool. Correctly answering questions during the masterydrilling phase deletes questions from the pool. Questions that have beencorrectly answered during the pre-testing step initially establish thepool. For example, if the user incorrectly answered three questionsduring the pre-test phase, the pool would contain an initial volume ofnine questions, or three instances of each question incorrectly answeredduring the pre-test phase.

During the mastery drilling step 256, the pool of questions increases ordecreases based on the performance of the wireless device user. Forexample, if the pool had a beginning volume of nine questions and theuser correctly answered the first question, the pool would be decreasedby one resulting in a remaining volume of eight questions. However, ifthe mobile device user incorrectly answered the next question, threeinstances of the incorrectly answered question are added to the poolresulting in a new volume of ten total questions in the pool. During themastery drilling step, the user increments or decrements the totalnumber of questions until the pool is depleted which initiates the nextstep, post-testing 258. In the post-testing phase, all questions in themodule are sent to the user using WAP Push. After the post-testingphase, the system determines if competency has been achieved 262 asdescribed above. If competency has not been achieved, steps 252, 256 and258 are repeated. If competency has been achieved, the user is sent tothe follow-up review 264 as described above.

FIG. 11 illustrates a work flow diagram for an interactive learningmethod of the present invention. In the interactive learning method, auser selects from various learning modules stored in learning curriculumin the learning services 266 of the application framework. Learningmodules can include vocabulary lessons, science lessons, historylessons, math lessons, social science lessons or any other lessondefined by the user. Lessons typically consist of a question withmultiple responses that the recipient can select from, however, thelessons can be in the form of a statement. Once the curriculum isselected, questions or statements are scheduled to be sent to the userusing WAP Push based on the scheduling criteria set up by the user. Atthe scheduled time, the next question in the module is sent to theuser's wireless device from the web application server to the mobileaccess gateway 268. Upon receiving the interactive message, the mobileaccess gateway pushes the interactive message to the user's wirelessdevice 270. The user's wireless device receives the interactive messagewith the question and possible answers and a browser session is startedby a session initiation application (SIA). The SIA displays a screenwith the question and possible answers.

Once the question and possible answers appear on the screen of theuser's wireless device, the user may select an answer corresponding to apre-assigned response key 272. If the user selects an answer 274,feedback is given to the user showing whether the selected answer wascorrect or incorrect 276. If the incorrect answer was selected, feedbackgiven to the user includes the correct answer that should have beenselected. After receiving feedback, the user may select to have the nextscheduled question pushed to their wireless device and continue thesession or terminate the session 278. If the user elects to continue thesession, the process is repeated starting with step 268. If the userelects to terminate the session 280, the WAP session is closed 294. Thesummary of the user's session, i.e. which questions were and were notanswered correctly, is available using a computer accessing the Internet296 and the transaction has been completed 298.

If the user does not want to answer the question, the user may respondto the question by selecting a pre-assigned response key correspondingto a snooze feature 282. Selecting the snooze message key 284 closes theinteractive learning method and a pre-defined delay occurs before thequestion is again pushed to the user's wireless device. After selectingthe snooze key, the interactive learning method is closed 286. Thestatus or results of the user's responses/answers are available on-line288. The interactive learning method is then paused 290 for the lengthof time specified by the snooze key. After a specified time period isover, the question and answers are resent by the mobile access gatewayand steps 268, 270 and 272 are repeated.

The recipient can choose to cancel the interactive learning session byselecting a pre-assigned response key corresponding to a dismiss feature292. By dismissing the interactive learning session, the question willnot be resent to the user and the session is closed 294. The summary ofthe user's session, i.e. which questions were and were not answeredcorrectly, is available using a computer accessing the Internet 296 andthe transaction has been completed 298.

FIG. 12 a illustrates a method of the interactive learning method of thepresent invention. A template 300 is utilized by a user to entercurriculum. A computer connected to the Internet or a wireless devicecan be used to access the template. In the template is a drop down boxthat allows the user to select from a variety of templates. Templatescan vary, such as requiring a varying amount of response options to beentered (i.e. 4 response options, 6 response option, etc.) as well asthe type of data used for the question and response options. Thequestion and response options can be a graphic image, a sound,animation, WML, MIME, a video clip or a turn based interactive game.

The user enters the question, response choices and specifies whichresponse is correct. One of the template forms that can be specified israndom incorrect responses wherein the web application server randomlypicks incorrect responses to a question by randomly selecting from apool of correct responses entered for other questions in the module andpresenting them as incorrect response choices to the current question.This method greatly simplifies developing a module because instead ofhaving to input up to three incorrect answers per question, the userneeds to only specify each question and its correct response.

Once the curriculum has been entered, the user uses a curriculum set upscreen 302 to select the curriculum as well as the timing and frequencyfor questions to be pushed to his wireless device. The start and endtime defines the time when questions will periodically be pushed to theuser's wireless device and the frequency defines how many times thequestions are pushed to the user's wireless device during the start andend time. For example, the user can select to have a question sent tohis wireless device twice per day. Furthermore, the user can specify ifthe questions are to be presented in a game mode. When game mode isselected, time between presentation of the question and response choicesand user response can be set so that if the question is not answeredwithin the specified window of time, it is considered a wrong answer.Also, during game mode, the wireless device can vibrate, play a specificsound and scoring can be utilized to give points for quickness andaccuracy so a total score is calculated at the end of the module. In thecurriculum set up screen 302, the user can also select a completionthreshold which sets the percentage of accuracy that is required inreview, mastery drilling and post-testing before moving onto the nextmodule. The set up screen 302 also allows the user to select a follow-uptime period which is a period after competency is reached that questionswill be randomly sent to the user for follow-up review.

If the user chooses to cancel the interactive learning session prior tosending the set up screen to the application server 306, the userselects the quit button 303 located on the set up screen 302. However,if the user chooses to send the set up screen to the application server306, the user selects an apply button 304 located on the set up screenafter being filled in. After selecting the apply button 304, the usersettings are saved on the web application server 306 and questions arescheduled to be sent to the user's wireless device. At the scheduledtime, the questions are pushed to the mobile access gateway 308 whichthe pushes the question and responses to the wireless device via a WAPbrowser 310.

Once the question is pushed to the user's wireless device, a browsersession is started by the Session Initiation Application (SIA) whichdisplays a screen 312 with the question and response optionscorresponding to pre-assigned response keys. The user has the option ofselecting one of the pre-assigned response keys in response to thequestion or selecting a snooze button 314. If the user selects thesnooze button 314, the session is terminated and the question andresponses are resent to the user at a later time, such as in 60 minutes.If the user selects one of responses corresponding to one of thepre-assigned response keys, the user receives instant feedback whetherthe response selected was correct or incorrect 316. When receiving thefeedback, the user is given the option of selecting a dismiss button 318or a next button 320. Selecting the dismiss button 318 cancels thesession and selecting the next button 320 the user is requesting theadditional questions in the curriculum be pushed to his wireless device.

Users can access a summary using a computer connected to the Internet.The summary shows and status and results by module 322 and as well as byusers 328. The summary by module 322 allows the user to select variousmodules by using a drop down list 324. Once selected, user summaryinformation is displayed for the selected module. An export button 236allows the summary information to be exported to a comma delimited textfile for use in a spreadsheet application for further analysis. A quitbutton 327 exits the user out of the summary. The summary by user 328allows the user to select various users by using a drop down list 330.Once selected, module summary information is displayed for the selecteduser. As with the summary by module, an export button 332 allows thesummary information to be exported to a comma delimited text file foruse in a spreadsheet application for further analysis. A quit button 333exits the user out of the summary.

An example of the interactive learning method is shown in FIG. 12 a. Avocabulary word, peruse, is entered along with four possible answers.Several vocabulary words with respective answers can be stored on theapplication server to be later sent to help a person study. This methodis not related to vocabulary and can also include questions relating tomath, history, a foreign language, geography, trivia etc.

FIG. 12 b illustrates a method of pushing or downloading additionalcontent to the wireless device of a user. After users go through all thequestions in the original download, new questions can be downloadedwithout having to install a new application on the wireless device 416.To download additional test questions, the users select an update keyfrom a menu 418 displayed on the user's wireless device. After selectingthe update key, a message 420 is displayed requesting the user toconfirm that an update of test questions is requested and informing theuser that the flashcards and test questions will be replaced with newquestions. The user confirms the update by selecting an “OK” buttonwhich causes a message to be displayed on the user's device indicatingthat a list of available question packs are being retrieved 422 from theserver 424. Next the current questions pack installed on the user'swireless device is displayed along with a list of available questionpacks that can be installed 426. From this list, the user selects thequestion pack to download and selects and “OK” button. Upon selection ofthe “OK” button, a message is displayed indicating that the questionpack selected is being retrieved 428. The selected question pack isretrieved from the server 424 and once the question pack has beendownloaded, a message is displayed indicating the download is successful430. The user then selects an “OK” button to continue.

FIG. 12 c illustrates a method of uploading test scores achieved fromanswering the test questions to the wireless device of a user. Theability to provide the test scores of users allows a user to chartprogress from a personal computer using a Web browser. For example,parents whose children are studying for tests, such as the SAT®, canobtain feedback and updates on the progress of their children. From thewireless device 432, a user can display a main menu 434 from which theuser can select various services including setup where the user caninstruct the application to automatically upload test and drill scoresto the Web as tests and drills are completed. With this option turnedon, scores are automatically uploaded to the Web and parents andstudents can access a history of prior scores using a personal computerand Web browser When a user answers a series of test questions, the testscores can be sent to the user or another user, such as the user'sparents from the server 442 storing the information. The test scores aresent either via an SMS message 444, via email 446 or via on-line or webbrowser 448.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example or the interactive multi-player gameinvitation method combined with the interactive learning method. In thismethod, an invitation can be composed to join a game 328. The senderenters the phone number, activity or game and the desired number ofplayers required to play the game by accessing a template on hiswireless device. Once this information has been filled in, the senderselects an invite button 329 and the invitation is sent to the inviteeor player as a WAP Push message.

After selecting the invite button 329, the invitation is sent to a webapplication server 330 which immediately sends the message to a mobileaccess gateway 332. The mobile access gateway verifies that theinvitee's wireless device has a WAP browser 334 and pushes theinvitation to the invitee's wireless device. Once sent to the invitee'swireless device, a browser session is initiated by the SessionInitiation Application (SIA) and displays a screen showing theinvitation 336. The invitee has the option of selecting a play button335 or a snooze button 337. If the invitee selects the play button 335,a message is sent to the sender indicating that the invitee is ready toplay. If the invitee does not want to play at the present moment, ordoes not want to play the game at any time, the sender selects thesnooze button 337.

Upon selecting the snooze button 337, a display screen 338 with severalpre-assigned response keys and a dismiss button 339 are displayed on theinvitee's wireless device. Selecting the dismiss button 339 closes theinteractive session and the invitee will not receive the invitationagain. The pre-assigned response keys correspond to the length of snoozeor delay before the invitation is resent to the invitee. Selecting oneof the pre-assigned response keys will terminate or pause theinteractive session for a period of time that the invitee selected. Whenan invitee selects the snooze button 337 and selects the length ofpause, a status screen 340 is sent to the sender indicating that theplayer has selected the snooze button 337 and the length of pause thatthe invitee has selected. Upon receiving this screen, the sender canselect a dismiss key 341 and close the interactive session or select andOK button 343 accepting the invitee's delay and the pause selected bythe invitee occurs 345.

After the length of pause selected by the invitee, a display screenshowing the invitation 342 is pushed to the invitee's wireless device.The invitee now has the option of selecting a ready button 347 oranother snooze button 349. If the invitee still does not want to playthe game or activity at the present moment, the player selects thesnooze button 349 and the process as described with reference to screen338 is repeated. If the invitee selects the ready button 347, a displayscreen 344 is sent or pushed to the sender advising the sender that theinvitee is available to play. Upon receiving this screen 344, the sendercan select a snooze key 351 and the process as described with referenceto screen 338 is repeated or select a play button 353 and the game isinitiated. Upon initiating the game, the first question is pushed to thewireless device of both the sender 346 and the invitee 348. Both thesender and invitee have the option of again selecting snooze keys 355,357. If either the sender or invitee select the snooze key, the processas described with reference to screen 338 is repeated. If both thesender and invitee opt to play, each choose a response to the questionand display screens 350 are pushed to the wireless device of eachindicating whether each selected the correct response to the question.Upon receiving the display screens 350, both the sender and invitee havethe option of selecting a snooze button 359 or a next button 361. Ifeither the sender or the invitee select the snooze button 359, theprocess as described with reference to screen 336 is repeated. If thenext button 361 is selected by both the sender and invitee, a newquestion is sent to both the sender and the invitee and the gamecontinues.

An example of the interactive multi-player game method combined with theinteractive learning method is shown in FIG. 13. In this example, Jordansends an invitation to Laura Cox to an activity, SAT® Vocab 1, on theirwireless devices. When Laura is ready to play, the game relating tolearning vocabulary is initiated on each of their wireless devices.

Each user must fill out a registration form and profile settings toparticipate in an interactive messaging session. FIG. 14 illustrates anexample of a user registration form 352 and profile settings 354. In theuser registration, the user can enter information such as their wirelessphone number, password, security question, answer to security question,email address, birthday, name, address, wireless phone carrier, etc. Inthe profile settings, the user can add a photo of themselves, sounds,conference call number, conference code, a list of blocked users, a listof VIP users, etc.

Turning to FIG. 15, an example of a turn based interactive gameutilizing the interactive messaging system of the present invention isillustrated. An invitation can be composed to initiate a turn basedinteractive game 356. The sender enters the phone number, the type ofgame and the desired number of players required to play the game byaccessing a template on his wireless device. Once this information hasbeen filled in, the sender selects an invite button 357 and theinvitation is sent to the invitee or player as a WAP Push message.

After selecting the invite button 357, the invitation is sent to a webapplication server 358, which immediately sends the message to a mobileaccess gateway 360. The mobile access gateway verifies that theinvitee's wireless device has a WAP browser 362 and pushes theinvitation to the invitee's wireless device. Once sent to the invitee'swireless device, a browser session is initiated by the SessionInitiation Application (SIA) and displays a screen showing theinvitation 364. The invitee has the option of selecting a play button359 or a snooze button 361. If the invitee selects the play button 359,a message is sent to the sender indicating that the invitee is ready toplay. If the invitee does not want to play at the present moment, ordoes not want to play the turn based interactive game at any time, thesender selects the snooze button 361.

Upon selecting the snooze button 361, a display screen 366 with severalpre-assigned response keys and a dismiss button 363 are displayed on theinvitee's wireless device. Selecting the dismiss button 363 closes theinteractive session and the invitee will not receive the invitationagain. The pre-assigned response keys correspond to the length of snoozeor delay before the invitation is resent to the invitee. Selecting oneof the pre-assigned response keys will terminate or pause theinteractive session for a period of time that the invitee selected. Whenan invitee selects the snooze button 361 and selects the length ofpause, a status screen 368 is sent to the sender indicating that theplayer has selected the snooze button 361 and the length of pause thatthe invitee has selected. Upon receiving this screen, the sender canselect a dismiss key 365 and close the interactive session or select andOK button 367 accepting the invitee's delay and the pause selected bythe invitee occurs 369.

After the length of pause selected by the invitee, a display screenshowing the invitation 370 is pushed to the invitee's wireless device.The invitee now has the option of selecting a ready button 371 oranother snooze button 373. If the invitee still does not want to playthe turn based interactive game at the present moment, the inviteeselects the snooze button 373 and the process as described withreference to screen 366 is repeated. If the invitee selects the readybutton 371, a display screen 372 is sent or pushed to the senderadvising the sender that the invitee is available to play. Uponreceiving this screen 372, the sender can select a snooze key 377 andthe process as described with reference to screen 366 is repeated orselect a play button 375 and the turn based interactive game isinitiated. Upon initiating the turn based interactive game, the turnbased interactive game is pushed to the wireless device of the sender379. Although chess is illustrated as the turn based interactive game inFIG. 15, any other type of turned based game, such as checkers, can beutilized.

Upon receiving the turn based interactive game, the sender has theoption of again selecting a snooze key 381. If the sender selects thesnooze key 381, the process as described with reference to screen 364 isrepeated. If the sender opts to play the turn based interactive game,the sender selects a turn or location to move the chess piece by using arocker switch on the sender's wireless device. Once the rocker switchpositions a cursor on the location that the chess piece is to be movedto, the sender selects the OK button 379 and the senders move is sent tothe invitee. Sending the move causes the turn based interactive game toinitiate 376 on the invitee's wireless device and illustrate thesender's move. After receiving the sender's first move, the invitee hasthe option of again selecting a snooze key 385. If the invitee selectsthe snooze key 385, the process as described with reference to screen366 is repeated. If the invitee opts to play the turn based interactivegame, the invitee selects a move or location to move the chess piece byusing a rocker switch and sends his move to the sender by selecting theOK button 383. Upon selecting the OK button 383, the invitee's moveappears on the wireless device 378 of the sender. As describedpreviously, the sender again has the option of selecting a snooze button389 or continuing to play the turn based interactive game and selectingan OK button 387 after deciding upon his move. If the OK button 387 isselected by the sender, the sender's move appears on a screen 380 on theinvitee's wireless device. The invitee again has the option of selectinga snooze button 393 or continuing to play the turn based interactivegame and selecting an OK button 391 after deciding upon his next move.This process continues until the completion of the game. Playing a turnbased interactive game utilizing the present invention allows player toplay at their leisure and respond with their next move at theirconvenience.

FIG. 16 illustrates a method of utilizing the template based interactivesystem of the present invention in clinical trials. In clinical trials,patients typically keep a paper diary of medication administration andadverse events caused by the medication. An electronic diary on awireless device would improve the accuracy of the data and alerts sentto the patient's wireless device improve patient compliance.Transactions can originate as a clinical alert generated by a Web serveron a pre-defined schedule. The alert is stored in an application server445 and is pushed to a messaging gateway 449 which then sends it to thepatient's wireless device 450 from and upon receiving the alert; thepatient's wireless device emits a special ring tone or a vibration. Amessage is displayed on the patient's wireless device 450 asking thepatient if the patient took the study medication the night before 452.Next the patient is requested to identify the amount of relief providedby the study medication 454, the peak flow reading 456 and PIN number458. The patient next sends the responses and a thank you message issent to the patient for responding 460. To encourage participation inthe study, the patient is provided with a wireless device and isrewarded with calling minutes to be used for personal use at the end ofeach template based interactive message transaction. At the end of thetransaction, the screen displays, “Thank you for your input, anadditional 10 minutes has been added to your account.” In alternativeembodiments, the reward of additional minutes can be used in other wayssuch as rewarding minutes for responding to game show quiz questions,parents rewarding minutes of use for a child's completing a testquestion properly and a survey sponsor rewarding minutes for respondingto survey questions. Once the responses have been sent, the electronicauthentication, described above, authenticates the message. Theauthentication server 443 creates a digital signature, timestamp and arecorded fingerprint of the data and a returned receipt. The electronicauthentication receipt is a tracking number whereby all parties involvedin an electronic transaction can access the authentication server 445and verify the electronic signature, time stamp and content. After thepatient enters the data, the data is sent back to application server andthen sent to a global study database 447 for storage.

In addition to following intake of medication of a patient, the methodalso allows the patient to indicate any adverse event the patient isexperiencing, such as joint pain, mouth scores, muscle cramping, musclepain and muscle weakness 462. Once the patient has indicated the event,the patient is asked to indicate where the pain is 464, the severity ofthe pain 468 and PIN number 470 to verify the patient. The patient nextsends the responses and a thank you message is sent to the patient forresponding 472. As indicated above, once the responses have been sent,the electronic authentication and the authentication server creates adigital signature, timestamp and a recorded fingerprint of the data anda returned receipt. Again, the patient enters the data, the data is sentback to application server 445 and then sent to a global study database447 for storage.

FIG. 17 a illustrates a method of utilizing the template basedinteractive system of the present invention to create artist fan clubs,that is follow the career of a famous individual or other topic ofinterest. In this method, a fan or user can utilize a wireless device toselect an artist, such as a singer, band, or actor, or other topic ofinterest to add to the user's personal settings on the user's wirelessdevice. First the user selects the artist fan club menu 502 from awireless device and then chooses an artist that has already beenselected by the user, adds new artists or changes the setting for theinformation displayed about the selected artist from another menu 504.Once the user has selected an artist, a menu appears with a list ofoptions that the user can select from 506. In the example shown in FIG.17 a, the user selects the media option and a media option menu 508appears on the wireless device with a list of options that the user canselect from, such as songs, gallery, ringtones, wallpaper, blogs and goto store. If the user selects songs from the menu, a songs menu 510 isdisplayed on the wireless device and the user can select one of theartist's songs to listen to. Once a song has been selected, a menuappears on the wireless device and the song is played over the wirelessdevice 512. From this menu the user can select another song, see thelyrics of the song or delete the song from the user's wireless device.If the user selects gallery from the menu, a gallery menu 514 isdisplayed which allows user to scroll through additional menus of imagesof the artist 516, 518, 520 or the user can delete the artist from thegallery. If the user selects the ringtones menu 522, the user can selecta ringtone or song to download to the user's wireless device 524. If theuser selects the wallpapers menu 526, the user can select wallpaper todownload to the user's wireless device 528. If the user selects theblogs menu 530, the user can select a blog from a particular date todownload to the user's wireless device and then delete the blog ifdesired 532.

FIG. 17 b illustrates an example of a blog from an artist 534. In thisexample, personal messages from the artist to the user are illustrated.The blogs allow the artist to interact with the user such as asking whatdress the artist should where to the Grammy's 536, allowing a user topreview a new song and give an opinion 538, display a personal message540, or have a trivia contest 542 which allows the user to win giftssuch as tickets to attend the artist's concerts 544.

FIG. 17 c illustrates an example of a fan club that a user can utilizeto select an artist, such as a singer, band, or actor, to add to thefan's personal settings on the fan's wireless device. First the userselects the fan club menu 546 from a wireless device and then chooses anartist or topic of interest that has already been selected by the user,adds new artists or topics of interest or changes the setting for theinformation displayed about the selected artist from another menu 548.Once the user has selected an artist, a menu appears with a list ofoptions that the user can select from 550. In the example shown in FIG.17 c, the user selects the live events option 552 and a live events menu554 appears on the wireless device illustrating the dates of concertsthe artist is playing. Next, the user selects a concert that the artistwill be performing and the user is given the option of registering forthe event 554. The user can register for an event or concert that theartist is currently performing at 556 and select a song for the artistto sing next 557. It is possible for the user to win prizes byparticipating in the live event such as winning backstage passes to meetthe artist 558. The user is also given the opportunity to judge the song560, voting the next outfit for the artist to where 562, or taking apicture to add to the user's concert scrapbook if the user's wirelessdevice has a camera 564.

FIG. 17 d illustrates an example of a fan club that a user can utilizeto select an artist, such as a singer, band, or actor, to add to theuser's personal settings on the user's wireless device. First the userselects the fan club menu 566 from a wireless device and then chooses anartist that has already been selected by the user, adds new artists orchanges the setting for the information displayed about the selectedartist from another menu 568. Once the user has selected an artist, amenu appears with a list of options that the user can select from 570.In the example shown in FIG. 17 d, the user selects the alerts option552 and an alerts option menu 572 appears. The user can select twooptions from the menu 568, in FIG. 17 d, the user also selects the storeoption 574 and a store options menu will also appear 576. If the userselects store from the menu, a store menu 576 is displayed on thewireless device and the user can select an item to purchase. Once anitem to purchase has been selected, a menu appears on the wirelessdevice giving the user particular items to purchase, such as songs 578,photos 582, ringtones 586 and wallpaper 590. Upon selecting an item topurchase a menu appears illustrating the cost of the item 580, 584, 588,592. As discussed previously, the user selected the alerts options. Asthe alerts option has been selected, any time the artist has a new song,a new ringtone or song or new wallpaper 594, 596, 598, a message isimmediately sent to the user of the new item and given the option topurchase. If an event is about to begin, an alert is sent to the userand the user who is given the opportunity to register for an event 600.

FIG. 17 e illustrates an example of a fan club that a user can utilizeto select an artist, such as a singer, band, or actor, or other topic ofinterest to add to the user's personal settings on the user's wirelessdevice. First the user selects the fan club menu 602 from a wirelessdevice and then chooses an artist that has already been selected by theuser, adds new artists or changes the setting for the informationdisplayed about the selected artist from another menu 604. Once the userhas selected an artist, a menu appears with a list of options that theuser can select from 606. In the example shown in FIG. 17 e, the userselects the information option and an information options menu 608 isdisplayed on the user's wireless device. Next the user selects betweennews of the artist, a biography of the artist and a discography of theartist. If the user selects news from the menu, a news menu 610 isdisplayed on the wireless device and the user selects a news item toread about the artist which then is displayed on the wireless device612. If the user selects biography from the menu, a biography of theartist is displayed on the wireless device 614. If the user selectsdiscography from the menu, a discography menu 616 is displayed listingthe artist's albums and the user selects an album to receive informationabout such as the fan rating and the songs on the album, thisinformation is displayed on menu 618. If the user selects fan rating, afan-rating menu is displayed allowing the user to enter the user'sperson rating of the album. If the user select song list, the list ofsongs on the album is displayed on the song list menu 622.

FIG. 17 f illustrates an example of a fan club that a user can utilizeto select an artist, such as a singer, band, or actor or topic ofinterest, to add to the user's personal settings on the user's wirelessdevice. First the user selects the fan club menu 624 from a wirelessdevice and then chooses an artist that has already been selected by theuser, adds new artists or changes the setting for the informationdisplayed about the selected artist from another menu 626. If the userwants to add a new artist, the user select add artist and an add artistmenu is displayed 628 asking the user to select a genre such as pop,rock, pop and R&B. Once a genre is selected, the user selects an artistfrom menu 630. After selecting an artist, a display menu is displayed632 and the user enters the user's phone number 634, selects the carrierbeing used 636, enters the user's birthday, month and day 638, 640 andfiling set the alert settings 642. Alert settings include whether or notthere will be any alerts, the time zone, if it is daylight savings, thestart and end times of the alerts and the number of alerts per day.

FIG. 18 a illustrates a method of utilizing the template basedinteractive system of the present invention to remind users to takemedication by sending an alert. To utilize the prescription reminderfeature, the user selects the prescription reminder option from theuser's wireless device 644. Next, an options menu 646 is displayed onthe wireless device and the user can choose from amongst severalchoices, such as daily log to record taking required mediation, adverseevent to record any adverse reactions to medications, Rx reminders toview, add or delete reminders to take medication, set up to enterinformation into the prescription reminder, such as a guardian who isinformed if the user does not take the medication or exit to exit theprescription reminder. If at any time the user needs help, the user canselect a help button, which will guide the user through the prescriptionreminder. Once the user selects the Rx reminders, the user is presentedwith an Rx reminders menu 648, which displays each alert or reminder theuser has set up, and the option to add another reminder. If the userselects a reminder that has already been entered, the informationrelating to the reminder is displayed on the user's wireless device 650.The user then has the option of changing information relating to thereminder by highlighting the information and pressing the select button.Next the user updates the information and then presses the back button.If the user selects new reminder, a menu displaying the requiredinformation to be entered is displayed 650. The user highlights theinformation to enter, presses the select button, enters the information,presses the back button, highlights the next piece of information toenter and repeats the process until all the information is entered.

When entering a new reminder, the user first is required to enter thetext that will be displayed in the reminder 652, such as “Have you takenyour prednisone?” Next the user selects the frequency that the reminderis to be sent, i.e. a reminder for each dose of a particular medicationthat is to be taken. After selecting the frequency, the user is shownthe dosing schedule 656 and can select the hour that the reminder is tobe sent 660 as well as the minute that the reminder is to be sent 662.Finally the user can select whether to turn on or off the reminder 658.

FIG. 18 b illustrates the prescription reminder feature that has beenturned on. The prescription reminders are stored in a server 664 and arepushed to a wireless device 666, such as a cell phone, and the reminderis displayed on the wireless device. Upon receiving the reminder, theuser is prompted to answer by selecting a yes button, a snooze button, ano button 668 or a cancel reminder button 668. If the user answers yes,the data is sent to the server and the reminder is completed out 670. Ifthe user selects the no button or the snooze button, the user is askedto resend the reminder at a later time by selecting snooze or cancelingthe reminder by selecting the cancel button. If the user selects snooze,the user is prompted to select a time to resend the reminder 672. If theuser cancels the reminder or fails to respond to the reminder a messageis sent to a guardian, such as a child caring for aging parents or aparent that the user has chosen so that the guardian can follow up withthe user to make sure the user is OK. The reminder to the guardian canbe in the form of (1) an interactive message, which allows theadditional user to call the user by selecting a pre-assigned responsekey or dismissing the reminder; (2) a SMS text message; or (3) an emailto the guardian's email address. The user can also see a history of themedication that has been taken. FIG. 18 c illustrates a prescriptionreminder history displaying the medication the user has taken as well aswhen the medication was taken and any adverse effects.

FIG. 19 a illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to sign up or enroll users for theability to purchase wallpaper for downloading to a wireless device. Uponthe user indicating that the user would like to be notified ofpurchasing newly available wallpaper for wireless devices, a screen ispushed to the user's wireless device asking how often the user wouldlike to be notified of new wallpaper 700. After selecting a time frame,such as anytime, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and never; additionalscreens are pushed to the user's wireless device asking what the user'sage range is 702, what sex the user is 704 and the zip code the userlives in 705. This information is utilized by the wireless carrierselling the wallpaper (or opportunity wherein opportunity can includethe option to purchase any product including but not limited towallpaper, video clips, ringtones, hardware devices, digital media,applications and participation in surveys) to identify wallpaper thatthe user will be most likely interested in. For example, if the user is11 and under, the user would more likely be interested in cartoons whilea user who is a male and over 20 would most likely be more interestedwallpaper of action movies. Although FIG. 19 a illustrates an example ofpurchasing wallpaper, this is by way of example only and any product canbe purchased using the method of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 19 b, after being set up in the system, messages arepushed to the user when new wallpaper is available that user might beinterested in based on the information or characteristics the userprovided to the wireless carrier 706. The user can choose to purchasethe wallpaper, not purchase the wallpaper, request to be reminded laterby selecting a snooze button or edit the alert settings. If the userchooses the snooze option, a message is pushed to the user's wirelessdevice asking the user to select when the alert invitation or messageshould be reset or if the user wants to edit the alert settings 708.Upon selecting edit alert settings from either message, the user canchange when messages or alerts are pushed to the user's phone. FIG. 19 balso illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to sign up users for the ability topurchase ringtones for downloading to a wireless device. Upon the userindicating that the user would like to be notified of newly availableringtones for purchase for wireless devices, a screen is pushed to theuser's wireless device asking how often the user would like to benotified of new ringtones 710. The user then selects a time frame, suchas anytime, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and never. After being setup in the system, alert invitations or messages are pushed to the userwhen new ringtones are available 712. The user can choose to listen tothe ringtone or song by pressing the # button, purchase the ringtone orsong, not purchase the ringtone or song, request to be reminded later byselecting a snooze button or edit the alert settings.

FIG. 19 c also illustrates an example of utilizing the interactivemessaging system of the present invention to sign up users for theability to purchase games for downloading to a wireless device or newproducts for the wireless device or a new wireless device. Upon the userindicating that the user would like to be notified of purchasing newlyavailable games for wireless devices, a screen is pushed to the user'swireless device asking how often the user would like to be notified ofnew games 714. The user then selects a time frame, such as anytime,daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and never. After being set up in thesystem, alert invitations or messages are pushed to the user when newgames are available 716. The user sees a brief clip of the game and thencan choose store the game on the user's wireless device, not purchasethe game, request to be reminded later by selecting a snooze button oredit the alert settings.

Next, an alert invitation or message is pushed to the user's wirelessdevice asking the user if the user would like to be notified about newproducts, such a new phone, or accessories, that are available forpurchase 718. If the user requests to be notified about new products,alert invitations or messages are pushed to the user's wireless deviceadvising the user of the new product and providing information about thenew product 720. The user can then choose to purchase the product, notpurchase the product, request to be reminded later by selecting a snoozebutton or edit the alert settings.

FIG. 19 d illustrates another example of utilizing the interactivemessaging system of the present invention to purchase products or toparticipate in a survey of the service of a wireless carrier. Alertinvitations or messages are pushed to the user's wireless deviceadvising the user of an improved battery and a new phone that isavailable for purchase 722, 724. The user can then choose to purchasethe product, not purchase the product, request to be reminded later byselecting a snooze button or edit the alert settings. Although FIG. 19 dillustrates an example of purchasing a battery or phone, this is by wayof example only and any product can be purchased using the method of thepresent invention. The user can also participate in a survey that willenable wireless carriers to improve customer service. First, aninvitation or message is pushed to the user's wireless device asking ifthe user would be willing to occasionally answer questions about theuser's satisfaction with the wireless carrier 726. If the user selectsthe OK button, messages will be occasionally pushed to the user'swireless device. For example, if the user purchased a game, a questioncould be pushed to the user's wireless device asking the user to ratethe game 728. The user can select from various levels of satisfaction,select the snooze button to answer the question later or edit the alertsettings. Although FIG. 19 d illustrates an example a survey relating tothe purchase of a game, this is by way of example only and a surveyrelating to any product or matter can be utilized by the method of thepresent invention. In an alternative embodiment, surveys can be pushedto the wireless devices of user based on the user's demographics, suchas age, race, zip code, state, etc. The survey allows a carrier to getreactions to TV shows, politics, products, services, brands, and etc.instantaneously and inexpensively. As a reward for answering the survey,the user may receive a reward of money off the user's next month's bill,additional minutes, features or products.

FIG. 19 e illustrates another example of utilizing the interactivemessaging system of the present invention to participate in a survey ofthe service of a wireless carrier and editing the user's alert settings.Additional questions that can be asked by the carrier are the user'ssatisfaction with the carrier's customer service center 730 and ingeneral how satisfied the user is with the carrier's network coverage732. These questions are merely examples and the carrier could asknumerous additional questions. Upon being presented with a question, theuser is asked to select his satisfaction from highly satisfied to highlydissatisfied. The user can also select the snooze button so the questionwill be asked later or the user can select the edit alert settingsbutton. In an additional embodiment, the user could be pushed an opinionsurvey and receive free items, such as minutes, feature and products forparticipating. First the user is pushed an invitation to participate inthe survey. The user can respond by selecting a pre-assigned responsekey for anytime, daily, weekly, quarterly and never 731. If the useragrees to participate, the user is pushed survey questions withinformation about the free item for participating, such as free minutes.In the example shown in screen 733, the user is asked who would be thebest candidate for president. Although screen 733 illustrates a questionon presidential candidates, this is by way of example only and anyquestion or opinion poll can be pushed to the wireless device. Uponreceiving the survey question, the user is asked to respond by selectingcandidate 1, candidate 2, candidate 3, someone else, snooze and editalert settings. If the user selects the edit alert settings button, thealert setting screen is pushed to the user's wireless device 734. SeeFIG. 19 f. The user can select a different frequency to receive alertsfor ringtones, wallpaper, new products, surveys or the user can changethe age or sex. Once all the changes have been made, the user saves theinformation.

FIG. 20 a illustrates an example of utilizing the interactive messagingsystem of the present invention to allow dashboard users, such ascarriers, providers, publishers or aggregators, to access a mobilealerts dashboard. The mobile alerts dashboard allows the dashboard userto view various statistics about purchases from users, to view surveyresults, to alter what can be purchased by adding or removing productsand to alter the survey by adding or removing questions. To access themobile alerts dashboard, the dashboard user must enter a dashboard username and a password 736. This screen is accessed via the Internet. Uponaccessing the dashboard, the dashboard user is provided with a tableillustrating the role-based security of the system 738. See FIG. 20 b.The table identifies the security role, such as the administrator, thepromotion scheduler, the aggregator, the surveyor, etc., the rights thatare included with the security role, the description of the servicesprovided by the security role and who has access to this role.

FIG. 20 b illustrates options the dashboard user can access from themobile alerts dashboard. As can be seen from screen 740, dashboardusers, such as the carrier, provider, publisher or aggregator, canchoose between ringtones, wallpapers, applications, hardware, carriersurveys, opt-in invitations, opt-in subscribers, 3^(rd) party surveys,admin or log out. If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitations,an opt-in invitations screen is displayed 742. See FIG. 20 c. The opt-ininvitation screen displays the types of invitations that can be providedto users. Alert invitations or messages are pushed to the wirelessdevices of user and can an invitation to participate in a survey, theinvitation to purchase a ringtone or song, the invitation to purchasewallpaper, the invitation to purchase applications and the invitation topurchase hardware. This screen also displays which invitations areactive, the number of days before the invitation is sent out, the numberof opt-in subscribers and the percentage of the opt-in subscribers thathave opted in. From this screen, the dashboard user can select a mainbutton to return to the main screen or select a log out button to logout of the dashboard.

FIG. 20 c illustrates screens of the invitations that the dashboardusers (carrier, provider, publisher or aggregator) can access from themobile alerts dashboard. A carrier surveys opt-in invitations screen isdisplayed 744. From the carriers surveys opt-in invitations screen,dashboard users can change the number of days before sending theinvitations, change the status of the invitation, view a bar graph ofthe number of opt-in subscribers and a bar graph of the percentage ofopt-in subscribers that are participating in the survey. Also displayedare the numerical number of opt-in subscribers and the numericalpercentage of opt-in subscribers that are participating in the survey.The screen also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user canview who made the last change, what the change was and when the changetook place. From this screen 744, the dashboard users can select a mainbutton to return to the main screen, select an opt-in invitations buttonto return to the opt-in invitations screen or select a log out button tolog out of the dashboard.

FIG. 20 d illustrates screens of additional invitations that thedashboard users can access from the mobile alerts dashboard. A 3^(rd)party surveys opt-in invitations screen 745 is displayed. From the3^(rd) party surveys opt-in invitations screen 745, the dashboard users(carrier, provider, publisher or aggregator) can change the number ofdays before sending the invitations, change the status of theinvitation, view a bar graph of the number of opt-in subscribers and abar graph of the percentage of opt-in subscribers that are participatingin the option to receive messages to participate in the 3^(rd) partysurvey. Also displayed are the numerical number of opt-in subscribersand the numerical percentage of opt-in subscribers that areparticipating. The screen also displays an audit trail so that thedashboard user can view who made the last change, what the change wasand when the change took place. From this screen 745, the dashboard usercan select a main button to return to the main screen, select an opt-ininvitations button to return to the opt-in invitations screen or selecta log out button to log out of the dashboard. Also illustrated in FIG.20 d is a hardware opt-in invitations screen 746. From the hardwareopt-in invitations screen 746, the dashboard user can change the numberof days before sending the invitations, change the status of theinvitation, view a bar graph of the number of opt-in subscribers and abar graph of the percentage of opt-in subscribers that are participatingin the option to receive messages to purchase hardware. Also displayedare the numerical number of opt-in subscribers and the numericalpercentage of opt-in subscribers that are participating. The screen alsodisplays an audit trail so that the carrier, provider, publisher, oraggregator can view who made the last change, what the change was andwhen the change took place. From this screen 746, the dashboard user canselect a main button to return to the main screen, select an opt-ininvitations button to return to the opt-in invitations screen or selecta log out button to log out of the dashboard.

FIG. 20 e illustrates screens of additional invitations that thedashboard user can access from the mobile alerts dashboard. Anapplications opt-in invitations screen is displayed 748. From theapplications opt-in invitations screen 748, the dashboard user canchange the number of days before sending the invitations, change thestatus of the invitation, view a bar graph of the number of opt-insubscribers and a bar graph of the percentage of opt-in subscribers thatare participating in the option to purchase an application. Alsodisplayed are the numerical number of opt-in subscribers and thenumerical percentage of opt-in subscribers that are participating in theapplication invitation. The screen also displays an audit trail so thatthe dashboard user can view who made the last change, what the changewas and when the change took place. From this screen 748, the dashboarduser can select a main button to return to the main screen, select anopt-in invitations button to return to the opt-in invitations screen orselect a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

A wallpapers opt-in invitations screen is also displayed 750 in FIG. 20e. From the wallpapers opt-in invitations screen, the dashboard user canchange the number of days before sending the invitations, change thestatus of the invitation, view a bar graph of the number of opt-insubscribers and a bar graph of the percentage of opt-in subscribers thatare participating in the option to receive messages to purchasewallpaper. Also displayed are the numerical number of opt-in subscribersand the numerical percentage of opt-in subscribers that areparticipating. The screen also displays an audit trail so that thedashboard user can view who made the last change, what the change wasand when the change took place. From this screen 750, the dashboard usercan select a main button to return to the main screen, select an opt-ininvitations button to return to the opt-in invitations screen or selecta log out button to log out of the dashboard.

FIG. 20 f illustrates a screen for ringtones invitations that thedashboard user can access from the mobile alerts dashboard. A ringtonesopt-in invitations screen is displayed 752. From the ringtones opt-ininvitations screen 752, the dashboard user can change the number of daysbefore sending the alert invitations, change the status of theinvitation, view a bar graph of the number of opt-in subscribers and abar graph of the percentage of opt-in subscribers that are participatingin the option to purchase a ringtone or song. Also displayed are thenumerical number of opt-in subscribers and the numerical percentage ofopt-in subscribers that are participating in the ringtones invitation.The screen also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user canview who made the last change, what the change was and when the changetook place. From this screen 752, the dashboard user can select a mainbutton to return to the main screen, select an opt-in invitations buttonto return to the opt-in invitations screen or select a log out button tolog out of the dashboard.

FIG. 21 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access for theadmin screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be seen from screen754, the dashboard user can choose between user, publisher, handsets, donot call list, ringtones genre, wallpaper type, application type,hardware type, main or log out. If the dashboard user selects the do notcall list, a do not call screen is displayed 756. See FIG. 21 b. The donot call screen displays a list of users who have requested that theynot be called. The list displays the phone number of the user, the datethe user was added, who added the user and the reason the user wasadded. From this screen 756, additional users can be added or deletedand the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the mainscreen, select an admin button to return to the admin screen or select alog out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the add button from the do not call listscreen 756, an add to do not call list screen is displayed 758. See FIG.21 b. The add do not call screen allows the dashboard user to enter thephone number of a user who wants to be added to the do not call list aswell as the reason why the user wanted to be added to the list. Uponselecting the save button, the user is added to the do not call list.The screen displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can viewwho added the user and when the user was added. From this screen 758,the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the mainscreen, select a do not call list button to return to the do not calllist screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the users button from the admin screen,the dashboard users screen 760 displays a list of dashboard users of thesystem, such as the administrator, the scheduler, the provider, thecarrier and the aggregator. From this screen 760, additional dashboardsusers can be added or deleted by selecting the add button on dashboarduser screen 762 and entering the name of the person; the person's emailaddress, the persons password and the person's role in the system. Thescreen 762 displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can viewwho made the addition or deletion and when the addition or deletion wasmade. The dashboard can select a main button to return to the mainscreen, select an admin button to return to the admin screen or select alog out button to log out of the dashboard. See FIG. 21 c.

If the dashboard user selects the wallpaper type button from the adminscreen, the wallpaper type screen 764 displays a list of wallpapercurrently available for purchase. From this screen 764, additionalwallpaper can be added by selecting the add button on the wallpaper typescreen 764. Selecting the add button causes an add wallpaper type screen766 to be displayed where new wallpaper can be added by entering thename of the wallpaper and selecting the save button. The dashboard usercan select a main button to return to the main screen, select an adminbutton to return to the admin screen or select a log out button to logout of the dashboard. See FIG. 21 d.

If the dashboard user selects the application type button from the adminscreen, the application type screen 768 displays a list of applicationscurrently available for purchase. From this screen 768, additionalapplications can be added by selecting the add button on display screen768. Selecting the add button causes an add application type screen 770to be displayed where new applications can be added by entering the nameof the application and selecting the save button. The dashboard user canselect a main button to return to the main screen, select an adminbutton to return to the admin screen or select a log out button to logout of the dashboard. See FIG. 21 e.

If the dashboard user selects the hardware type button from the adminscreen, the hardware type screen 772 displays a list of hardwarecurrently available for purchase. From this screen 772, additionalhardware can be added by selecting the add button on display screen 772.Selecting the add button causes an add hardware type screen 774 to bedisplayed where new hardware can be added by entering the name of thehardware and selecting the save button. The dashboard user can select amain button to return to the main screen, select an admin button toreturn to the admin screen or select a log out button to log out of thedashboard. See FIG. 21 f.

If the dashboard user selects the ringtone genre button from the adminscreen, the ringtone genre screen 776 displays a list of ringtonescurrently available for purchase. From this screen 776, additionalringtones can be added by selecting the add button on display screen776. Selecting the add button causes an add ringtone genre screen 778 tobe displayed where new ringtones can be added by entering the name ofthe ringtone or song and selecting the save button. The dashboard usercan select a main button to return to the main screen, select an adminbutton to return to the admin screen or select a log out button to logout of the dashboard. See FIG. 21 g.

If the dashboard user selects the publishers button from the adminscreen, the publishers screen 780 displays a list of current publishers.From this screen 780, publishers can be added by selecting the addbutton on display screen 780. Selecting the add button causes an addpublisher screen 782 to be displayed where, new publishers can be addedby entering the name publisher selecting the save button. The dashboarduser can select a main button to return to the main screen, select anadmin button to return to the admin screen or select a log out button tolog out of the dashboard. See FIG. 21 h.

If the dashboard user selects the handsets button from the admin screen,the handsets screen 784 displays a list of available handsets. From thisscreen 784, additional handsets can be added by selecting the add buttonon display screen 784. Selecting the add button causes an add handsetscreen 786 to be displayed where new handsets can be added by enteringthe new handset and selecting the save button. The dashboard user canselect a main button to return to the main screen, select an adminbutton to return to the admin screen or select a log out button to logout of the dashboard. See FIG. 21 i.

FIG. 22 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from theringtones screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be seen fromscreen 788, the dashboard user can choose between inventory, sequencing,statistics, opt-in invitation, sales message, main or log out. If thedashboard user selects the inventory, an inventory screen is displayed790. See FIG. 22 a. The inventory screen 790 displays a list ofringtones or songs in the system. The list displays the ringtone orsong, the artist, the status of the ringtone or song, when the ringtoneor song will be available for downloading, the age range of the userthat would most likely be interested in the ringtone or song, the sex ofthe user that would most likely be interested in the ringtone or song,the id of the ringtone or song and how many of each ringtone or song hasbeen sold. From this screen 790, additional ringtones or songs can beadded or the ringtones or songs can be exported to an excel spreadsheet.The dashboard user can select a main button to return to the mainscreen, select a ringtones button to return to the ringtones screen orselect a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

From the ringtones inventory screen 790, the dashboard user can select aringtone or song for viewing specific details. As shown in FIG. 22 b,upon selecting a specific ringtone or song, a ringtone screen 792 isdisplayed. The ringtone screen 792 allows the status of the ringtone orsong to be changed, lists the genre, the artist, the price fordownloading, the publisher and the number (types) of handsets orwireless devices the ringtone or song will support. Also listed are theage range for the most likely user and the sex of the most likely user.Furthermore, this screen 792 allows the dashboard user to view a bargraph of the gross revenue by month generated from the sales of aspecific ringtone or song, the number of the ringtone or song sold, thetotal gross revenue and the date the ringtone or song was activated. Thedashboard user can also type in a specific telephone number to send atest message to ensure the system is working properly. The screen 792also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view whomade the last change, what the change was and when the change tookplace. From this screen 792, the dashboard user can select a main buttonto return to the main screen, select ringtones button to return to theringtones screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

From the ringtone screen 792, the dashboard user can select a handsettable button to view a ringtone handset table screen 794. The ringtonehandset table screen 794 allows the dashboard user to custom loadinventories by handset model for each product or ringtone, so that userswill only receive (purchase) alert invitations for ringtones or songsthat are compatible with the model of handsets or wireless devices theuser owns. This information includes the genre of the ringtone or song,the artist and the number (types) of handsets or wireless devices theringtone or song will support. It also lists the types of filesavailable for downloading, such as MIDI, mp3, etc. From this screen 794,the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the mainscreen, select the ringtone button to return to the ringtone screen orselect a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

From the ringtone handset table screen 794, the dashboard user canselect an add file button to add a new ringtone. Upon selecting the addfile button, an upload ringtone file screen 796 is displayed. See FIG.22 c. The upload ringtone file screen 796 allows a new ringtone or songto be added by first selecting the file to upload, filling in thedescription of the file and selecting the handsets that the ringtone orsong will support. Upon uploading the ringtone or song and saving it,the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the mainscreen, select a ringtone button to return to the ringtone screen orselect a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the sequencing button from the ringtonesscreen 788 (See FIG. 22 a), a ringtones sequencing screen 798 isdisplayed. See FIG. 22 c. This screen 798 displays the sequence orpriority that the messages to users about purchasing ringtones or songswill be sent, so the dashboard user can increase or decrease thepriority of particular ringtones in the scheduled list. When sending outa purchase or alert invitation, the dashboard automatically sends amessage to the user showing the highest priority ringtone or songavailable for purchase that has not previously been sent. From thisscreen 798, the dashboard user can select a main button to return to themain screen, select a ringtones button to return to the ringtones screenor select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the statistics button from the ringtonesscreen 788 (See FIG. 22 a), a ringtones statistics screen 800 isdisplayed. See FIG. 22 d. This screen 800 displays the statistics of thesales of the ringtones. Specifically, the screen 800 displays a bargraph of the inventory coverage of sales opportunities by month, a bargraph of the purchases vs. the offers by month and a bar graph of thesales by month. Additionally, this screen 800 shows the number ofavailable ringtones, the number or opt-in subscribers and the totalsales amount by dollars. From this screen 800, the dashboard user canselect a main button to return to the main screen, select a ringtonesbutton to return to the ringtones screen or select a log out button tolog out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button from theringtones screen 788 (See FIG. 22 a), a ringtones opt-in invitationscreen 802 is displayed. See FIG. 22 d. This screen 802 allows thedashboard user to enter a message or invitation to be sent to usersinviting the users to purchase a ringtone or song. The dashboard usercan also type in a specific telephone number to send a test message toensure the system is working properly. The screen 802 also displays anaudit trail so that the dashboard user can view who made the lastchange, what the change was and when the change took place. From thisscreen 800, the dashboard user can select a main button to return to themain screen, select ringtones button to return to the ringtones screenor select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the sales message button from theringtones screen 788 (See FIG. 22 a), a ringtones sales message screen804 is displayed. See FIG. 22 e. This screen 804 allows the dashboarduser to enter a sales message be sent to users inviting the userspreview the ringtone or song for purchase. The screen 804 also displaysan audit trail so that the dashboard user can view who sent the messageand when it was sent. From this screen 804, the dashboard user canselect a main button to return to the main screen, select ringtonesbutton to return to the ringtones screen or select a log out button tolog out of the dashboard.

FIG. 23 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access for thewallpapers screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be seen fromscreen 806, the dashboard user can choose between inventory, sequencing,statistics, opt-in invitation, sales message, main or log out. If thedashboard user selects the inventory button, a wallpapers inventoryscreen is displayed 808. See FIG. 23 b. The wallpaper inventory screen808 displays a list of available wallpaper in the system. The listdisplays the wallpaper, the status of the wallpaper, when the wallpaperwill be available for downloading, the age range of the user that wouldmost likely be interested in the wallpaper, the sex of the user thewould most likely be interested in the wallpaper, the id of thewallpaper and how many of each wallpaper has been sold. From this screen808, additional wallpapers can be added or the wallpaper can be exportedto an excel spreadsheet. The dashboard user can select a main button toreturn to the main screen, select a wallpapers button to return to thewallpapers screen or select a log out button to log out of thedashboard.

From the wallpapers inventory screen 808, the dashboard user can selecta wallpaper to view specific details of. As shown in FIG. 23 b, uponselecting specific wallpaper, a wallpaper screen 810 is displayed. Thewallpaper screen 810 allows the status of the wallpaper to be changed,lists type of wallpaper, the price for downloading, the publisher andthe number (types) of handsets or wireless devices the ringtone or songwill support. Also listed are the age range for the most likely user andthe sex of the most likely user. Furthermore, this screen 810 allows thedashboard user to view a bar graph of the gross revenue by monthgenerated from the sales of a specific wallpaper, the number of thewallpaper sold, the total gross revenue and the date the wallpaper wasactivated. The dashboard user can also type in a specific telephonenumber to send a test message to ensure the system is working properly.The screen 810 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard usercan view who made the last change, what the change was and when thechange took place. From this screen 810, the dashboard user can select amain button to return to the main screen, select wallpapers button toreturn to the wallpapers screen or select a log out button to log out ofthe dashboard.

From the wallpaper screen 810, the dashboard user can select a handsettable button to view a wallpaper handset table screen 812. See FIG. 23c. The wallpaper handset table screen 794 allows the dashboard user tocustom load inventories by handset model for each product or wallpaper,so that users will only receive purchase or alert invitations forwallpapers that are compatible with the model of handsets or wirelessdevices they own. This information includes the type of wallpaper andthe number (types) of handsets or wireless devices the wallpaper willsupport. It also lists the types of files available for downloading,such as bmp, jpeg, gif, etc. From this screen 812, the dashboard usercan select a main button to return to the main screen, select awallpaper button to return to the wallpaper screen or select a log outbutton to log out of the dashboard.

From the wallpaper handset table screen 812, the dashboard user canselect an add file button to add a new wallpaper. Upon selecting the addfile button, an upload wallpaper file screen 814 is displayed. See FIG.23 c. The upload wallpaper file screen 814 allows a new wallpaper to beadded by first selecting the file to upload and selecting the handsetsthat this wallpaper will support. Upon uploading the wallpaper andsaving it, the dashboard user can select a main button to return to themain screen, select a wallpaper button to return to the wallpaper screenor select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the carrier, provide, publisher or aggregator selects the button fromthe wallpapers screen 806 (See FIG. 23 a), a wallpapers sequencingscreen 816 is displayed. See FIG. 23 d. This screen 816 displays thesequence or priority that the messages to users about purchasingwallpaper will be sent so the dashboard user can increase or decreasethe priority of particular wallpaper in the scheduled list. When sendingout a purchase invitation, the dashboard automatically sends a messageto the user showing the highest priority wallpaper available forpurchase that has not previously been sent. From this screen 816, thedashboard user can select a main button to return to the main screen,select a wallpapers button to return to the wallpapers screen or selecta log out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the statistics button from the wallpapersscreen 806 (See FIG. 23 a), a wallpapers statistics screen 818 isdisplayed. See FIG. 23 d. This screen 818 displays the statistics of thesales of the wallpaper. Specifically, the screen 818 displays a bargraph of the inventory coverage of sales opportunities by month, a bargraph of the purchases vs. the offers by month and a bar graph of thesales by month. Additionally, this screen 818 shows the number ofavailable wallpapers, the number or opt-in subscribers and the totalsales amount by dollars. From this screen 818, the dashboard user anselect a main button to return to the main screen, select a wallpapersbutton to return to the wallpapers screen or select a log out button tolog out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button from thewallpapers screen 806 (See FIG. 23 a), a wallpapers opt-in invitationscreen 820 is displayed. See FIG. 23 e. This screen 820 allows thedashboard user to enter a message or invitation to be sent to usersinviting the users to purchase wallpapers. The dashboard user can alsotype in a specific telephone number to send a test message to ensure thesystem is working properly. The screen 820 also displays an audit trailso that the dashboard user can view who made the last change and whenthe change took place. From this screen 820, the dashboard user canselect a main button to return to the main screen, select wallpapersbutton to return to the wallpapers screen or select a log out button tolog out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the sales message button from thewallpapers screen 806 (See FIG. 23 a), a wallpapers sales message screen822 is displayed. See FIG. 23 e. This screen 822 allows the dashboarduser to enter a sales message be sent to users inviting the userspreview the wallpapers for purchase. The screen 822 also displays anaudit trail so that the dashboard user can view who sent the message andwhen it was sent. From this screen 822, the dashboard user can select amain button to return to the main screen, select wallpapers button toreturn to the wallpapers screen or select a log out button to log out ofthe dashboard.

FIG. 24 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access for theapplications screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be seen fromscreen 824, the dashboard user can choose between inventory, sequencing,statistics, opt-in invitation, sales message, main or log out. If thedashboard user selects the inventory button, an applications inventoryscreen is displayed 826. See FIG. 24 a. The applications inventoryscreen 826 displays a list of available applications or games forpurchase. The list displays the application, the status of theapplication, when the application will be available for downloading, theage range of the user that would most likely be interested in thewallpaper, the sex of the user the would most likely be interested inthe application, the id of the application and how many of eachapplication has been sold. From this screen 826, additional applicationscan be added or the applications can be exported to an excelspreadsheet. The dashboard user can select a main button to return tothe main screen, select an applications button to return to theapplications screen or select a log out button to log out of thedashboard.

From the applications inventory screen 826, the dashboard user canselect an application to view specific details of the application. Asshown in FIG. 24 b, upon selecting a specific application, anapplications screen 828 is displayed. The applications screen 828 allowsthe status of the application to be changed, lists type of application,the price for downloading, the publisher and the number (types) ofhandsets or wireless devices the application will support. Also listedare the age range for the most likely user and the sex of the mostlikely user. Furthermore, from this screen 828 the dashboard user canview a bar graph of the gross revenue by month generated from the salesof a specific application, the number of the applications sold, thetotal gross revenue and the date the application was activated. Thedashboard user can also type in a specific telephone number to send atest message to ensure the system is working properly. The screen 828also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view whomade the last change, what the change was and when the change tookplace. From this screen 828, the dashboard user can select a main buttonto return to the main screen, select an applications button to return tothe applications screen or select a log out button to log out of thedashboard.

From the applications screen 828, the dashboard user can select ahandset table button to view an application handset table screen 830.The application handset table screen 830 allows the dashboard user tocustom load inventories by handset model for each product, so that userswill only receive purchase invitations for products that are compatiblewith the model of handsets or wireless devices they own. Thisinformation includes the type of application and the number (types) ofhandsets or wireless devices the application will support as well as theURL for downloading the application. From this screen 830, the dashboarduser can select a main button to return to the main screen, select anapplication button to return to the application screen or select a logout button to log out of the dashboard.

From the application handset table screen 830, the dashboard user canselect an add file button to add a new application. Upon selecting theadd file button, an upload application URL screen 832 is displayed. SeeFIG. 24 c. The upload application URL screen 832 allows a newapplication to be added by first entering the URL where the applicationcan be uploaded from and selecting the handsets that this applicationwill support. Next, the dashboard user can select a main button toreturn to the main screen, select an admin button to return to the adminscreen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the sequencing button from theapplications screen 824 (See FIG. 24 a), an applications sequencingscreen 834 is displayed. See FIG. 24 c. This screen 834 displays thesequence or priority that the messages to users about purchasing anapplication will be sent so the dashboard user can increase or decreasethe priority of a particular application in the scheduled list. Whensending out a purchase invitation, the dashboard automatically sends amessage to the user showing the highest priority application availablefor purchase that has not previously been sent. From this screen 834,the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the mainscreen, select an applications button to return to the applicationsscreen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the statistics button from theapplications screen 824 (See FIG. 24 a), an applications statisticsscreen 836 is displayed. See FIG. 24 d. This screen 836 displays thestatistics of the sales of the applications. Specifically, the screen836 displays a bar graph of the inventory coverage of salesopportunities by month. Additionally, this screen 836 shows the numberof available applications, the number or opt-in subscribers and thetotal sales amount by dollars. From this screen 836, the dashboard usercan select a main button to return to the main screen, select anapplications button to return to the applications screen or select a logout button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button from theapplications screen 824 (See FIG. 24 a), an applications opt-ininvitation screen 838 is displayed. See FIG. 24 d. This screen 838allows the dashboard user to enter a message or invitation to be sent tousers inviting the users to purchase an application. The dashboard usercan also type in a specific telephone number to send a test message toensure the system is working properly. The screen 838 also displays anaudit trail so that the dashboard user can view who made the last changeand when the change took place. From this screen 838, the dashboard usercan select a main button to return to the main screen, select anapplications button to return to the applications screen or select a logout button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the sales message button from theapplications screen 824 (See FIG. 24 a), an applications sales messagescreen 840 is displayed. See FIG. 24 e. This screen 840 allows thedashboard user to enter a sales message to be sent to users inviting theusers to preview the application for purchase. The screen 840 alsodisplays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view who sent themessage and when it was sent. From this screen 840, the dashboard usercan select a main button to return to the main screen, select anapplications button to return to the applications screen or select a logout button to log out of the dashboard.

FIG. 25 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from thehardware screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be seen fromscreen 842, the dashboard user can choose between inventory, sequencing,statistics, opt-in invitation, sales message, main or log out. If thedashboard user selects the inventory button, a hardware inventory screenis displayed 844. See FIG. 25 b. The wallpaper inventory screen 844displays a list of available hardware for purchase. The list displaysthe hardware, the status of the hardware, when the hardware will beavailable for purchase, the age range of the user that would most likelybe interested in the hardware, the sex of the user the would most likelybe interested in the hardware, the id of the hardware and how many ofeach piece of hardware has been sold. From this screen 844, additionalhardware can be added or information about the hardware can be exportedto an excel spreadsheet. The dashboard user can select a main button toreturn to the main screen, select a hardware button to return to thehardware screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

From the hardware inventory screen 844, the dashboard user can select apiece of hardware to view specific details about. As shown in FIG. 25 b,upon selecting the specific hardware, a hardware screen 846 isdisplayed. The hardware screen 846 allows the status of the hardware tobe changed, lists type of hardware, the provider, the number (types) ofhandsets or wireless devices the hardware will support and the number ofdays left for the user to opt-in. Also listed are the age range for themost likely user and the sex of the most likely user. Furthermore, fromthis screen 846 the dashboard user can view the date the hardware wasactivated. The dashboard user can also type in a specific telephonenumber to send a test message to ensure the system is working properly.The screen 846 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard usercan view who made the last change, what the change was and when thechange took place. From this screen 846, the dashboard user can select amain button to return to the main screen, select a hardware button toreturn to the hardware screen or select a log out button to log out ofthe dashboard.

From the hardware screen 842, the dashboard user can select a handsettable button to view a hardware handset table screen 848. The hardwarehandset table screen 848 allows the dashboard user to custom loadinventories by handset model for each product or hardware, so that userswill only receive purchase invitations for hardware that are compatiblewith the model of handsets or wireless devices they own. Thisinformation includes the type of hardware and the number (types) ofhandsets or wireless devices the hardware will support. From this screen848, the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the mainscreen, select a hardware button to return to the hardware screen orselect a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

From the hardware handset table screen 848, the dashboard user canselect an add file button to add a new piece of hardware. Upon selectingthe add file button, a hardware device screen 850 is displayed. See FIG.25 c. The hardware device screen 850 allows a new piece of hardware tobe added by indicating the hardware device to add and selecting thehandsets that this hardware device will support. Next the dashboard userenters a description of the hardware device that will be sent to a useralong with a picture of the hardware device. Upon selecting the newhardware device and saving it, the dashboard user can select a mainbutton to return to the main screen, select hardware button to return tothe hardware screen or select a log out button to log out of thedashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the sequencing button from the hardwarescreen 842 (See FIG. 25 a), a hardware sequencing screen 852 isdisplayed. See FIG. 25 d. This screen 852 displays the sequence orpriority that the messages to users about purchasing hardware deviceswill be sent, so the dashboard user can increase or decrease thepriority of particular hardware device in the scheduled list. Whensending out a purchase invitation, the dashboard automatically sends amessage to the user showing the highest priority hardware deviceavailable for purchase that has not previously been sent. From thisscreen 852, the dashboard user can select a main button to return to themain screen, select a hardware button to return to the hardware screenor select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the statistics button from the hardwarescreen 842 (See FIG. 25 a), a hardware statistics screen 854 isdisplayed. See FIG. 25 d. This screen 854 displays the statistics of thesales of the hardware devices. Specifically, the screen 854 displays abar graph of the inventory coverage of sales opportunities by month, abar graph of the purchases vs. the offers by month and a bar graph ofthe sales by month. Additionally, this screen 854 shows the number ofavailable hardware devices, the number of opt-in subscribers and thetotal sales amount by dollars. From this screen 854, the dashboard usercan select a main button to return to the main screen, select a hardwarebutton to return to the hardware screen or select a log out button tolog out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button from thehardware screen 842 (See FIG. 25 a), a hardware opt-in invitation screen856 is displayed. See FIG. 25 e. This screen 856 allows the dashboarduser to enter a message or invitation to be sent to users inviting theusers to purchase a piece of hardware. The dashboard user can also typein a specific telephone number to send a test message to ensure thesystem is working properly. The screen 856 also displays an audit trailso that the dashboard user can view who made the last change and whenthe change took place. From this screen 856, the dashboard user canselect a main button to return to the main screen, select a hardwarebutton to return to the hardware screen or select a log out button tolog out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the sales message button from the hardwarescreen 842 (See FIG. 25 a), a hardware sales message screen 858 isdisplayed. See FIG. 25 e. This screen 858 allows the dashboard user toenter a sales message to be sent to users inviting the users purchasethe hardware device. The screen 858 also displays an audit trail so thatthe dashboard user can view who sent the message and when it was sent.From this screen 858, the dashboard user can select a main button toreturn to the main screen, select a hardware button to return to thehardware screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

FIG. 26 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from thesurvey screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be seen from screen860, the dashboard user can choose between surveys, opt-in invitation,main or log out. If the dashboard user selects the surveys button, asurveys screen is displayed 862. See FIG. 26 a. The surveys screen 862displays a list of available surveys in the system. The list displaysthe survey, the status of the survey, the type of survey, the id of thehardware and results of each survey. From this screen 862, additionalsurveys can be added or the surveys can be exported to an excelspreadsheet. The dashboard user can select a main button to return tothe main screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

From the surveys screen 862, the dashboard user can select a survey toview specific details about. Upon selecting the specific survey, acarrier surveys screen 864 is displayed. See FIG. 26 b. The carriersurveys screen 864 allows the survey to be changed, including thequestions asked, the responses to the questions and the number of daysleft for the user to opt-in. Furthermore, from this screen 864, thedashboard user can view the date the survey was activated. The dashboarduser can also type in a specific telephone number to send a test messageto ensure the system is working properly. The screen 864 also displaysan audit trail so that the dashboard user can view who made the lastchange, what the change was and when the change took place. From thisscreen 864, the dashboard user can select a main button to return to themain screen, select a carrier surveys button to return to the carriersurveys screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

From the survey screen 864, the dashboard user can select a resultsbutton to view a carrier survey results screen 866. The survey resultsscreen 866 shows the results of the survey. As shown in the example inFIG. 26 b, the satisfaction of users for a particular application isillustrated. This will allow the dashboard user to make decisions as towhether an application should remain available for purchase. The surveyresults screen also lists the number of respondents and indicates theage range of the respondents and the sex of the respondents. The surveyresults shown in FIG. 26 b are by way of example and various other typesand forms of carrier survey results can be displayed. From this screen866, the dashboard user can select a main button to return to the mainscreen, select a carriers survey buttons to return to the carriersurveys screen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button from thesurveys screen 860 (See FIG. 26 a), a survey opt-in invitation screen868 is displayed. See FIG. 26 c. This screen 866 allows the dashboarduser to enter a message or invitation to be sent to users inviting theusers to participate in a survey. The dashboard user can also type in aspecific telephone number to send a test message to ensure the system isworking properly. The screen 868 also displays an audit trail so thatthe dashboard user can view who made the last change and when the changetook place. From this screen 856, the dashboard user can select a mainbutton to return to the main screen, select a survey button to return tothe survey screen or select a log out button to log out of thedashboard.

FIG. 27 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from the3^(rd) party surveys screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can beseen from screen 878, the dashboard user can choose between 3^(rd) partysurveys and opt-in invitation. If the dashboard user selects the 3^(rd)party surveys' button, a 3^(rd) party surveys screen is displayed 880.See FIG. 27 b. The 3^(rd) party surveys screen 880 displays a list ofavailable 3^(rd) party surveys in the system. The list displays the3^(rd) party survey, the status of the 3^(rd) party survey, the type of3^(rd) party survey, the id of the hardware and results of each 3^(rd)party survey. From this screen 880, additional 3rdd party surveys can beadded or the 3^(rd) party surveys can be exported to an excelspreadsheet. The dashboard user can select a main button to return tothe main screen, a 3^(rd) party surveys button to return to the 3^(rd)party surveys screen or select a log out button to log out of thedashboard.

From the 3^(rd) party surveys screen 880, the dashboard user can selecta 3^(rd) party survey to view specific details about. Upon selecting thespecific 3^(rd) party survey, a 3^(rd) party surveys screen 882 isdisplayed. See FIG. 27 b. The 3^(rd) party surveys screen 882 allows the3^(rd) party survey to be changed, including the questions asked and theresponses to the questions. Furthermore, from this screen 882, thedashboard user can view the date the 3^(rd) party survey was activated.The dashboard user can also type in a specific telephone number to senda test message to ensure the system is working properly. The screen 882also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard user can view whomade the last change, what the change was and when the change tookplace. From this screen 882, the dashboard user can select a main buttonto return to the main screen, select a carrier surveys button to returnto the carrier surveys screen or select a log out button to log out ofthe dashboard.

From the 3^(rd) party surveys screen 882, the dashboard user can selecta results button to view a 3^(rd) party survey results screen 884. The3^(rd) party survey results screen 884 shows the results of the 3^(rd)party survey. As shown in the example in FIG. 27 c, the results of aparticular 3^(rd) party survey are illustrated. The 3^(rd) party surveyresults screen 884 also lists the number of respondents and indicatesthe age range of the respondents and the sex of the respondents. The3^(rd) party survey results shown in FIG. 27 c are by way of example andvarious other types and forms of 3^(rd) party survey results can bedisplayed. From this screen 886, the dashboard user can select a mainbutton to return to the main screen, select a 3^(rd) party surveysbutton to return to the 3^(rd) party surveys screen or select a log outbutton to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the opt-in invitation button from thesurveys screen 878 (See FIG. 27 a), a 3^(rd) party surveys opt-ininvitation screen 886 is displayed. See FIG. 27 c. This screen 886allows the dashboard user to enter a message or invitation to be sent tousers inviting the users to participate in a survey. The dashboard usercan also type in a specific telephone number to send a test message toensure the system is working properly. The screen 886 also displays anaudit trail so that the dashboard user can view who made the last changeand when the change took place. From this screen 886, the dashboard usercan select a main button to return to the main screen, select a 3^(rd)party surveys button to return to the 3^(rd) party surveys screen orselect a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

FIG. 28 a illustrates options the dashboard user can access from theopt-in subscribers screen of the mobile alerts dashboard. As can be seenfrom screen 870, the dashboard user can choose between subscribers andstatistics. If the dashboard user selects the subscribers' button, asubscribers screen is displayed 872. See FIG. 28 a. The subscribersscreen 872 displays a list of subscribers in the system. The listdisplays the telephone number of the subscriber, whether the subscriberhas opted-in to receive messages about surveys, ringtones, wallpapers,applications and hardware, the age range and sex of the subscriber, theopt-in date of the subscriber and the number of sales to the subscriber.The screen 874 also displays an audit trail so that the dashboard usercan view who made the last change and when the change took place. Fromthis screen 874, the dashboard user can select a main button to returnto the main screen, select a survey button to return to the surveyscreen or select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

From the subscribers screen 872, the dashboard user can select asubscriber to view additional details about the particular subscriber.Upon selecting a specific subscriber, a subscriber screen 874 isdisplayed. See FIG. 28 b. The subscriber screen 874 shows what purchasesthe subscriber or user has made. Upon selecting the new hardware deviceand saving it, the dashboard user can select a main button to return tothe main screen, select hardware button to return to the hardware screenor select a log out button to log out of the dashboard.

If the dashboard user selects the statistics button from the opt-insubscribers screen 870 (See FIG. 28 a), an opt-in subscribers statisticsscreen 876 is displayed. See FIG. 28 b. This screen 876 displays thestatistics of the subscribers. Specifically, the screen 876 shows thetotal number of opt-in subscribers and displays a pie chart of thenumber of female and male subscribers and a bar graph of the females andmales broken down by month. From this screen 876, the dashboard user canselect a main button to return to the main screen, select a opt-insubscribers button to return to the opt-in subscribers screen or selecta log out button to log out of the dashboard.

Although an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been describedabove by way of example only, it will be understood by those skilled inthe field that modifications may be made to the disclosed embodimentwithout departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined bythe appended

1. A method of using interactive messaging to send interactive messagesto a user's wireless device, the method comprising the steps of: sendingan interactive message to a user's wireless device informing the user ofat least one opportunity that the user can participate in; requesting aresponse for participating in the at least one opportunity by the userselecting a pre-assigned message key; sending an alert invitation to theuser requesting instructions on whether to purchase the at least oneopportunity; and deciding whether to purchase the at least oneopportunity by selecting a pre-assigned message key from the screenpushed to the user's wireless device.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe at least one opportunity is selected from the group comprising aringtone, a wallpaper, application, survey and hardware device.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the interactive message is sent to the userusing any enabling push technology.
 4. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of requesting the user enter personal information ifthe user agrees to participate in the at least one opportunity.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the at least one opportunity pushed to theuser's wireless device is determined by the user's personal information.6. The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one opportunity pushed tothe user's wireless device is determined by priorities determined by adashboard user.
 7. A method of customizing an alert invitation to sendinteractive messages to a user's wireless device, the method comprisingthe steps of: sending an interactive message to a user's wireless deviceinforming the user of at least one opportunity that the user canparticipate in; entering information into the interactive message todefine characteristics of the user; creating a set of criteria frominformation the user has entered into the interactive message; andsending the alert invitation to the user based upon the set criteria. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the information comprises, the user's agerange, the users, sex, the user's type of wireless device and thefrequency the user would like to receive the alert message.
 9. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the alert invitation is selecting from thegroup comprising an invitation to purchase a ringtone, an invitation topurchase a wallpaper, an invitation to purchase an application, aninvitation to purchase a hardware device and an invitation toparticipate in a survey.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the userreceives compensation for participating in the survey.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the compensation is selected from the group consistingof money off a bill, free minutes, free products and free features. 12.The method of claim 7, wherein the interactive message is sent to theuser using any enabling push technology.
 13. A dashboard user creatingan invitation based alert system, the method comprising the steps of;defining a group of dashboard users; defining a security role for eachof the set of dashboard users; creating a profile for at least one user;using the profile of the at least one user to determine when to send analert invitation to the at least one user.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the group of dashboard users comprises a carrier, a provider, apublisher and an agreggator.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein thegroup of dashboard users creates a 3^(rd) party survey to obtain usersopinion of specific questions.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein theusers receive compensation for participating in the 3^(rd) party survey.17. The method of claim 16, wherein the compensation is selected fromthe group consisting of money off a bill, free minutes, free productsand free features.
 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the alertinvitation is sent to the user using any enabling push technology. 19.The method of claim 13, wherein the profile of the at least one user acarrier survey opt-in invitation comprises, the user's age range, theuser's sex, the user's wireless device, which alert invitations the userwould like to receive and the frequency in which the user would like toreceive the alert invitations.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein thealert invitations are selected from the group consisting of aninvitation to purchase a ringtone, an invitation to purchase awallpaper, an invitation to purchase an application, an invitation topurchase a hardware device and an invitation to participate in a 3^(rd)party survey.